10 Practical Tips to Help You During Cancer Treatment
There's no getting away from it; cancer treatment can be a long, painful, and emotional ride, and one that will not necessarily end with a smile on your face. It's vital then that you remain hopeful, active, and above all, in charge. To help you do exactly that, here are 10 practical tips to keep in mind as you undergo treatment.
1. Take Some Time for R&R
Over the course of your cancer treatment there will be times where you feel like the world is firmly placed on your shoulders and baring down at an incredible rate. There will also be times where you feel better than you ever have. Basically, you should expect an emotional rollercoaster. It's important then to make time for nothing but rest and relaxation. Your body and mind will thank you for it in the long run.
2. Look Out for Your Mental Health
Too many of those undergoing cancer treatment focus on the physical impact of their treatment and neglect to look after their mental health. In some ways your mental health is more important than your physical health. After all, if you find yourself suffering a bout of depression, it will be much harder to face up to what lies ahead. It will also give your immune system the opportunity to breakdown, which in turn will lead to physical and medical problems. It's impossible to remain upbeat all of the time, but what is important is that you report any low moods or bouts of stress, depression, or helplessness to your doctor.
3. Don't Be Afraid of Your Emotions
At the same time, it's important not to be afraid of your emotions. That means not being afraid of what they might mean and not being afraid to share them with others.
4. Plan Your Hospital Trips
During your cancer treatment there will be days where completing otherwise straightforward tasks becomes a nightmare. This includes things like packing an overnight bag, calling a cab, or checking your medical paperwork has been completed correctly. In this case, prepare any hospital trips as early as possible. This includes establishing how you will get to and from the hospital as well as writing down any questions you may wish to ask the doctor.
5. Offload the Housework
Go for it! Who wants to do housework anyway? As we've stated above, simple tasks can become a strain. There's no need to waste valuable energy on vacuuming or cleaning. Hire a cleaner, coerce the kids, convince a spouse; it doesn't matter who does it just so long as you have time to relax.
6. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
This goes double for any of those daily chores that quickly pile up. Paying bills, doing the grocery shopping, gardening, and cooking are just some of the tasks you can pass along. However, if you're feeling up to it, continuing with your regular routine can be therapeutic in its own right.
7. Know Who to Call
Whether you need to speak to a doctor, your spouse, children, or the local priest, keep a list of handy telephone numbers in order that you can get a hold of them quickly. Other useful telephone numbers may include taxi companies, schools, and support groups.
8. Know Your Symptoms
Keep your eye out for any symptoms that may suggest a relapse in the cancer or further medical problems. Even the smallest of cancer symptoms should be checked with your doctor or oncologist.
9. Prepare a Last Will and Testament
This might seem a little pessimistic but with cancer treatment you can never be 100 percent sure. Preparing a will ahead of time will save your family and loved ones a lot of stress and strain later down the line. Besides, you probably won't need it anyway, but better to be safe than sorry.
10. Have Some Fun
Finally, after that downer, make sure you take some time to have fun. Cancer treatment is a harsh enough mistress, so take a time out and enjoy yourself. Take up a hobby, play with the kids, read a long book. Basically, do anything that takes your mind off the battle at hand.
1. Take Some Time for R&R
Over the course of your cancer treatment there will be times where you feel like the world is firmly placed on your shoulders and baring down at an incredible rate. There will also be times where you feel better than you ever have. Basically, you should expect an emotional rollercoaster. It's important then to make time for nothing but rest and relaxation. Your body and mind will thank you for it in the long run.
2. Look Out for Your Mental Health
Too many of those undergoing cancer treatment focus on the physical impact of their treatment and neglect to look after their mental health. In some ways your mental health is more important than your physical health. After all, if you find yourself suffering a bout of depression, it will be much harder to face up to what lies ahead. It will also give your immune system the opportunity to breakdown, which in turn will lead to physical and medical problems. It's impossible to remain upbeat all of the time, but what is important is that you report any low moods or bouts of stress, depression, or helplessness to your doctor.
3. Don't Be Afraid of Your Emotions
At the same time, it's important not to be afraid of your emotions. That means not being afraid of what they might mean and not being afraid to share them with others.
4. Plan Your Hospital Trips
During your cancer treatment there will be days where completing otherwise straightforward tasks becomes a nightmare. This includes things like packing an overnight bag, calling a cab, or checking your medical paperwork has been completed correctly. In this case, prepare any hospital trips as early as possible. This includes establishing how you will get to and from the hospital as well as writing down any questions you may wish to ask the doctor.
5. Offload the Housework
Go for it! Who wants to do housework anyway? As we've stated above, simple tasks can become a strain. There's no need to waste valuable energy on vacuuming or cleaning. Hire a cleaner, coerce the kids, convince a spouse; it doesn't matter who does it just so long as you have time to relax.
6. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
This goes double for any of those daily chores that quickly pile up. Paying bills, doing the grocery shopping, gardening, and cooking are just some of the tasks you can pass along. However, if you're feeling up to it, continuing with your regular routine can be therapeutic in its own right.
7. Know Who to Call
Whether you need to speak to a doctor, your spouse, children, or the local priest, keep a list of handy telephone numbers in order that you can get a hold of them quickly. Other useful telephone numbers may include taxi companies, schools, and support groups.
8. Know Your Symptoms
Keep your eye out for any symptoms that may suggest a relapse in the cancer or further medical problems. Even the smallest of cancer symptoms should be checked with your doctor or oncologist.
9. Prepare a Last Will and Testament
This might seem a little pessimistic but with cancer treatment you can never be 100 percent sure. Preparing a will ahead of time will save your family and loved ones a lot of stress and strain later down the line. Besides, you probably won't need it anyway, but better to be safe than sorry.
10. Have Some Fun
Finally, after that downer, make sure you take some time to have fun. Cancer treatment is a harsh enough mistress, so take a time out and enjoy yourself. Take up a hobby, play with the kids, read a long book. Basically, do anything that takes your mind off the battle at hand.
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