So you had a mammogram, and then you got a call saying the doctor saw something suspicious. You may have had additional testing like an ultrasound or an MRI. Finally, you had a biopsy, and it came back positive for cancer. What happens now?
The first step is to remain calm. Stress and anxiety will be high during this time. Do whatever you can to reduce your stress. Whether it’s journaling, or deep breathing exercises, try something to calm you down. Now, you will have to take it one day at a time. Ask your doctor about any questions you have. Join a support group so you can talk to others going through the same thing.
You want to be an active participant in your treatment plan. Ask about the different types of treatments. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. The type of treatment, and the order of the treatments may vary based on the cancer you have. Ask about side effects or potential complications of any of the treatments planned for you.
You will need to eat healthy foods like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to help your body heal, make new tissues, and repair damaged ones. Make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during treatments.
If you currently exercise, keep it up until your treatments start. If you don’t currently exercise, now would be a great time to try some gentle yoga (this can help calm your nerves too). After your surgery and other treatments, you will need time to heal so you won’t be doing much exercise. After your treatments are complete, your doctor may recommend working with a physical therapist. When you are cleared by your doctor to begin exercising again, start slow and gradually increase the type of activity you do.
Your body will need plenty of extra rest and sleep after any of these treatments. Your body heals when you sleep, so keep your social and work calendars as light as you can. Use this down time to journal, read, or take up a hobby (like jigsaw puzzles or knitting). Nap when you need to.
Here are some additional tips for you. Before having surgery or starting chemotherapy or radiation treatments, make sure to do the following:
- Gather all the essentials you may need after treatments. Things like extra pillows, blankets, a water bottle, warm socks (preferably with grips on the bottoms), pain medications, and a book to read. Ask your surgeon if the hospital provides mastectomy bras or if you have to get them on your own.
- Set up an area where you can sit and rest at home. Keep a table nearby for water and pain medications.
- Ask for help. Arrange for childcare if needed. Hire someone to help with household chores for a few weeks. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery.
- Meal prep. Cook and freeze meals ahead of time, stock up on easy to prepare meals, or have your family, friends, or local community form a meal train.
- Medications. Fill any prescriptions your doctor has given you before your surgery. Make sure you have over the counter pain medications at home. Keep a list of all your medications and allergies for the hospital staff
Here are some tips for the time after your surgery:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that open in the front (including shirts, bras, and pajamas).
- Practice the deep breathing exercises that are recommended by your surgical team.
- Get mastectomy bras that are easy to open and have a place to keep your drains (ask your surgeon or hospital if they give you any).
- You will need time to rest and recover.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. You probably won’t be able to drive or lift more than 10 pounds for a few weeks.
- Get others to help in the house (spouse, hired help, family or friends).
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Keep the surgical area clean and dry. Follow your doctor’s instructions on changing dressings and caring for drains.
- Schedule and keep all your follow up appointments
Questions to ask before starting chemotherapy:
- Ask your nurse about cold caps or cold mittens to reduce side effects.
- Are there any food restrictions?
- What are the expected side effects from your medications (this includes the pre-medications and chemotherapy)?
- Know your treatment schedule and book it on your calendar.
After chemotherapy treatments:
- Tell your doctor of any side effects you are feeling.
- Rest and recover
- Don’t try to do to too much after chemotherapy.
- Sleep/ nap if you need to.
- Protect yourself
- Wear a face mask or avoid large crowds when your blood counts are low (this will lower your risk of getting sick).
- Wash your hands after being out of the house.
Before radiation treatments:
- You will have a treatment planning CT scan and they may place tiny tattoos in your skin (these are markers to make sure they are treating the right area every day)
- Radiation treatments are usually given M-F. Make sure you know your treatment dates and mark them on your calendar.
- Ask the nurses which lotions and deodorants are ok to use.
- Do not apply anything on the skin before your treatments.
After radiation treatments:
- Apply any moisturizers that the radiation team tells you are ok to use.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- You may feel tired/ fatigue so make sure to rest or nap if you need to.
- Try to avoid excess sun exposure to the area being treated
I hope this information was helpful. I have created a free guide that will also help you during your treatments. The link to get it is below. If you need any additional support, book a free call with me and I can answer any other questions you may have. I also have a coaching program made just for you. I offer both a self-study course, and individual coaching programs to help you optimize your health during cancer treatments.