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SUR·VI·VOR·SHIP - According to the National Cancer Institute (n.d.), "survivorship focuses on the health and well-being of a person with cancer from the time of diagnosis...family members, friends, and caregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience."
Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer and going through treatment is REALLY HARD. You are filled with a mix of emotions, your mind and body are going through tons of changes, and everything is totally overwhelming.
We all have our own unique experience with Breast Cancer and process our diagnosis/treatment differently. Based on my own journey, here are some tips/strategies that may be helpful for you! Check out the Resources page for information on helpful websites and apps.
Take it one moment at a time. Breathe and allow yourself to feel what you need to feel. You will have both good and not-so-good days.
Do not try to handle all of this by yourself. Ask your oncology team about support/resources. Email pinkpairproject@gmail.com if you need support!
Take care of your mental/emotional health. Talk to your oncology team about speaking with a therapist or support group.
Do not Google anything regarding your diagnosis. This can take you down a "rabbit hole" of information that will only make your stress and anxiety worse. Check out Chemocare.com for any information regarding medications and side effects. This website was referred to me by my oncologist.
Create a binder with all of your paperwork, medications, notes, etc. It is important to keep track of everything and have all of your documents in one place.
Ask questions! Make sure you fully understand everything that is going on. Let your oncologist know your preferred learning style to better understand your diagnosis and treatment.
Ask questions about short-term and long term side effects.
Ask about any foods you should not eat or medications (including herbal remedies) that you should not take during treatment.
Journal. Writing down your thoughts/feelings is a good form of therapy and/or release.
Try to stay active. Minimal exercise, like walking, makes a difference...even if you are just walking around your home!
Stretch. Your body is going through a lot of stress and changes. Keeping your muscles loose will relieve some tension.
Eat Well. Talk to your oncology team about working with a nutritionist to help you stay on a healthy eating plan.
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Set your alarm to drink water every 30 minutes. Add fruit to your water to make it taste a bit better!
Pay attention to side effects. Write them down or keep notes in your phone. Make sure to constantly update your oncology team on how you are feeling.
Talk to your oncologist about remedies for hot flashes. Chill Out Spray is a natural remedy that provides great relief!
If you are receiving radiation:
Use Aquaphor. This will help soothe your skin.
Move your arm(s) to prevent stiffness. Even just doing gentle arm circles will make a difference!
REST. Your mind and body need it!
Try to maintain some type of normalcy and continue to do things that bring you joy! It is important to feel like "yourself" as much as possible during this journey.
Give yourself small goals to achieve. This will help you stay inspired and motivated!
Write words/phrases of affirmation on post-its and place them on your mirrors and around your home. Read those affirmations DAILY!
Remember, you are not alone! The Pink P.A.I.R. Project is here for you!
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