Anna Maria RichardsBreast cancer affects the lives of many people, and millions are survivors. Many individuals are benefiting from early detection and treatment. However, it can take time for your body to adjust after cancer surgery. The good news is that many cancer survivors can live long, happy, and satisfying lives. If you are a cancer patient, there are different measures you can take to cope with the aftermath of a cancer operation. Read on to learn how you can continue a normal life after breast cancer surgery.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is good for your health, especially when you are recovering from surgery. You can easily boost your health by eating foods high in antioxidants. You can also get specific kinds of foods that can help you maintain a healthy body weight and improve your immune system. For instance, foods like broccoli, walnuts, fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, and blueberries are generally good for your overall health.
Be Patient
When you undergo breast cancer surgery, your body will go through physical changes, and you may need some time to adjust to your new look. Of the two approaches commonly used, the Goldilocks technique uses healthy tissue to reconstruct your breast after the affected tissue is removed. This method is not complicated and many people who receive it usually do not encounter numerous problems. The Goldilocks method can be performed on one or both breasts, and it doesn’t require additional surgeries. It comes with a shorter recovery period and reduced pain compared to formal breast reconstruction.
If you choose traditional breast cancer surgery, your body will undergo numerous physical and mental changes. This means you will need enough time to allow your body to heal. When you’re experiencing some changes, it may be difficult for you to embrace them. For instance, you may be anxious to go back to work, school, or have a nice time with your family, but you need time to recover first. Practice patience.
Accept Your Body
When you undergo breast cancer surgery, your body will never be the same again; you may end up having an artificial breast or a small breast. It’s essential to accept your body as it is and not compare yourself to others; what matters is you have a healthy body. This will help you appreciate your body and feel good about it. It’s vital to respect and treat your body with the kindness it deserves. If you look down on yourself, you will develop an inferiority complex that negatively impacts the way you view yourself. Celebrate the fact that your body survived and flourished through major surgery.
Perform Physical Exercise
Physical activity is good for your body, especially when recovering from a breast cancer operation. Exercise is associated with several health benefits like improved blood flow and circulation of nutrients. Regular exercise helps reduce stress which is good for your overall health.
Additionally, physical activity helps prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. With exercise, you will feel energized which can boost your memory, mood, and reverse the effects of stress. Any form of exercise is good for your body, and doesn’t necessarily need to be strenuous.
Share Your Story
You need strength and comfort from other people, and you can achieve this by sharing your story. It’s a good idea to open up and get advice from other people who have also experienced the same recovery journey as you. There are specific feelings, fears, thoughts, and emotions you may share with others, and you can benefit from sharing your story and learning that you’re not alone.
You can also volunteer or try to find a support group where you can share your ideas with other people. Additionally, you should also ask for professional help to cope with your situation. Counselors, therapists, and coaches can help you overcome the negative emotions that can be associated with your condition. You can ask your doctor for a referral.
Lifestyle Change
You should stop habits like smoking and drinking alcohol if you want to continue a normal, healthy life. Alcohol and substance abuse are generally not good for your overall health, so you should change your lifestyle if you want to fully recover from your breast cancer surgery. Bad practices like smoking and substance abuse can lead to the recurrence of the disease.
Life after breast cancer surgery can have some challenges, and it can affect your overall well-being. However, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to enjoy a normal life. Once you accept your condition, you can follow these tips to overcome the challenges you might be facing and learn to love and appreciate your body.
