After Breast Cancer Treatment

After Breast Cancer Treatment

If you are a women doing breast cancer treatment, there may be a few surprising things that can help during treatment as well as after. Acupuncture is an ancient practice where very thin needles, heat or pressure are put on points of your body. It has actually been shown to boost your immune system and release those natural painkillers. The side effects of cancer treatment like nausea, pain, fatigue and anxiety may also be curbed. Keep up with those doctor visits even though you are taking acupuncture treatments.

Massage can lessen your pain and helps you to relax before a lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction. Following your surgery, a specialized massage is given by a specially trained therapist that may help lessen the swelling.

Exercise will help connect breath to movement and yoga is recommended. It will slow your heart rate, blood pressure and brain waves. Those women who have participated in yoga exercises during radiation have reported they feel less tired and stressed. Be sure your instructor is aware of your medical history.

Tai Chi is an age-old Chinese martial art that combines slow, graceful body movements with breathing and meditation. This type of relaxing the mind may help strengthen the body and may lessen inflammation in people with breast cancer.

You might try art therapy even though you think you may be an awful artist. The benefits of drawing, painting, sculpting or crafting, gives you a chance to express fear and other feelings you may not want to talk about. It can also ease anxiety and depression along with your self-esteem.

Losing your hair and having skin problems is a very large hurdle for women, even to the point of refusing to leave their house. Looking better will improve your quality of life and help you stay strong. There are programs in all areas that can fit you for a wig, give you a makeover or even give you a bra for your new shape. Do whatever you need to do in order to make yourself feel good about yourself. When you feel better about yourself, its amazing how your immune system actually works better.

A very natural therapy is an association with horses. They mirror the body language of those around them and can help you become more aware of your feelings. Riding a horse and learning to care for it will build confidence. This has been proven to lessen stress.

Music is always soothing, so connect with your feelings through the music you enjoy. This will improve your state of mind and can reduce worry.

Writing down your feelings about breast cancer and your hopes and biggest fears, might give you fewer physical symptoms. Try keeping a journal and see the progress you are making. Focus on your thoughts and goals.

Our family is a good source of support but a support group might also be excellent help when you talk with other women going through the same problems and fears. Exchange advice and how to handle side effects. Just be sure the support group you pick is the one that makes you feel more up-lifted rather than more of a downer.

These are a few things that might help to lessen the stress, fear and day-to-day problems of dealing with your cancer. Reach out and share with others and you will most likely receive more than you are giving.

– Dr Fredda Branyon

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