Taking care of yourself after treatment is a very important part of recovery and it will help you continue to have a fulfilled and happy life going forward. 

You will need to take things easy for several months (or more) after treatment since you are likely to feel much more tired than you used to.  You may find it an emotional time and it may take time to start to do some of the things that you used to.  Don’t be scared to ask for help from family or friends, and don’t feel guilty if you find it difficult to do everything.  It is normal; and something that those of us with breast cancer all go through.

Remember a strong, positive outlook is a great help. Try to banish negative thoughts and absolutely believe that you will get better.

BOX:  Read about how fellow breast cancer patients have dealt with life after treatment.  Link……

Rest

Diet

Exercise

Rest

It is most important to listen to your body as you are recovering.  Quite quickly you will work out what it is saying to you, when you can do more and when you need to take it easy.  Go to bed early and try to rest when you can. It helps to avoid stressful situations as much as possible.

Diet

There is much controversy about nutrition and cancer.  Most conventional doctors will say eat a balanced diet.  Alternative therapists may prescribe more radical dietary changes. There are many books on the subject, but ultimately you have to do what feels right for you and not feel guilty if you are not following the same regime as someone else.

It is generally acknowledged though that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, high in fibre, and low in sodium and saturated (animal) fats, is good for overall health.  For cancer patients, some therapists recommend 7-12 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.  It is also important to drink plenty of water, particularly if you are undergoing treatment.

Healthy foods that are readily available in Tanzania include the following:

Fruit and Vegetables

Papaya

Mango

Pineapple

Bananas

Apples

Grapes

Avocadoes

Mchicha/Spinach

Cauliflower

Red Beans

Green beans

Brocolli

Cabbage

Tomatoes

Onions

Garlic

High Fibre Foods

Wholewheat/brown bread

Brown Rice

Oats

Bran

Rye

Exercise

Generally, regular, moderate exercise is beneficial, even if it is just a 20 minute walk several times a week.  It will help your circulation, get you out of the house, and should help increase your energy. Take it easy, but try to do something every day if you can.

Post surgery

After breast surgery, it is very important to exercise the arm and shoulder on the affected side.  There are a range of specific exercises that will help ease stiffness and get the arm working again.  You should start these as soon as the day after surgery and can then build up to more rigorous exercises as you build up strength again; your doctor will be able to advise more fully.  Download PDF: Post Surgery Exercises

Lymphoedema and Exercise

Lymphoedema is a build up of fluid that can be caused if you have had the lymph nodes removed under your arm.  Lymphoedema causes swelling in the affected arm and hand, but it can be kept under control with some simple excercises and other techniques, and many women don’t get it at all.  Download PDF: Lymphoedema exercises