During and after your cancer treatment, it’s important to take good care of yourself.
Even though you may not feel like it, you should eat well, exercise and look into alternative treatments to heal your mind, body, and spirit.
Eating Well
Eating well is important before, during, and after cancer treatment. Eating the right foods can help you to fight cancer and stay strong during and after treatment.
During treatment, your appetite can be affected by your medication. Many patients feel nauseated. and some patients have problems with chewing or swallowing while undergoing cancer treatments. If you are having trouble eating well, ask your healthcare team to refer you to a dietitian.
You may find it helpful to read the booklet Eating well when you have cancer: A guide to good nutrition
Exercise
Exercise is important for everyone, especially during and after cancer treatment. If you are having treatment, the last thing you may feel like doing is exercise. But exercise may be just what your healthcare team suggests.
Being active can help:
• reduce stress and improve your mood
• boost your energy
• help you regain your strength
• improve your appetite
• reduce nausea, fatigue and constipation
• help you sleep
Check with your healthcare team before starting any exercise program. Even if you exercised regularly before being diagnosed, it is important to talk to your healthcare team about which activities are best for you
Some communities have special programs for cancer patients and survivors – as your healthcare team about local programs.
You may find it helpful to read the booklet
Eat well, be active - what you can do
Your appearance
Cancer treatments can affect your skin. Talk to your healthcare team about caring for your skin during and after your treatment. Cancer treatments can cause hair loss. Many cancer patients choose to wear a head scarf or wig. The Canadian Cancer Society can help you find a head scarf or wig supplier in your community, call 1-888-939-3333 or visit www.cancer.ca
The Look Good Feel Better program offers workshops across Nova Scotia to help women manage the effects that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance. To find a workshop in your community visit Look Good Feel Better.
The Sunshine Room is a comfortable, supportive area where people undergoing cancer treatments can be introduced to Massage Therapy, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and Reflexology.