Take Care of Yourself Inside and Out

During one of my chemotherapy sessions the nurse assigned to me that day asked how I was feeling. She said “No one knows what you’re going through unless you’ve been through this too.” Yes! It’s hard to explain, not just the ups and downs of feeling physically awful, but the ups and downs of feeling awful. It’s important to stay positive, but sometimes you just break down. 

Where I was treated you always felt welcomed and cared for. Compassionate nurses, social workers, administrators, doctors, the security guards, the cleaning crew, everyone. But from the moment you find out you have breast cancer, you are on a fast ride of exams, tests, scans, surgery, treatments and more exams, tests, and treatment. You feel like you’ve been physically swept away. You’re juggling so much stuff at once, but you are also in this haze of how did this happen to me? And is this really happening to me? Hopefully you have someone there with you to help you through it, but many do not.

The best thing you can do is connect with others that have been through the same thing. If you do not know a family member who has had breast cancer (I did), or a friend (I did), reach out to the resources in the hospital and in your community. There are many support groups for women with breast cancer. Don’t go through this alone.

In order to overcome depression, and stay positive, it is important to do the following:

1.  Eat and drink healthy; eat via the guidelines. If you meander off what is recommended for you, you will not feel as well as you should. I meandered once, for my birthday. I felt it afterwards.
2. Exercise. Do whatever you can whenever you can. You will lose hours in the day because of your fatigue or possible illnesses from the side effects of your drugs. You’ll have good days and bad days. But try to at least walk, even if for a few minutes. Or clean your home. That counts as exercise. Exercise will help with the fatigue, help manage any anxiety, stress or depression that may come on, and it will help with your appetite.
3. Rest. Rest whenever you feel you need to. It’s good for you. Never feel like you do not have the time to rest and take care of what your body is telling you.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. For many, you will find that you just do not have the energy like you used to have, or perhaps the strength during treatment. You may not feel like cooking, or doing the laundry, or grocery shopping. Do not be afraid nor ashamed to ask for help. Many family members or friends do not know how to respond to you when you tell them you have breast cancer. One way they will be happy to respond is to help you. It’s good for them as much as it is for you.
5. Get sleep. You may find it difficult to sleep after your breast cancer diagnosis. It may be due to stress, anxiety, or the drugs you are on. Sleep is critical in the healing process and in managing the chemotherapy infusions. If you are not getting sleep, talk to your doctor. You may need a temporary sleeping aid to get you back on track.
6. Take care of your inner and outer beauty. Buy a wig if you like. Shave your head. Buy yourself a pretty hat or scarf to wear. Treat yourself here and there. Also, do activities to keep your mind off of the cancer and chemo effects. Explore your talents or hobbies that make you happy. Try new things, you might be surprised in finding a hidden talent you never knew you had. Write. Draw. Paint. Make jewelry. Spend time outdoors. Read a good book. Play the your favorite instrument. Hang out with your kids or grandchildren. Listen to music. Watch a movie. Play games with your family. Do yoga. Attend a religious service. Meditate. Pray. Tend to your pet. Sometimes you just need to cry and let it out. You know what it is that makes you happy and calm. Set time aside to do it. Prepare some meals on your good days and freeze them for later when you do not feel up to cooking. You will appreciate the fact that you did this for yourself.

The Look Good Feel Better program.

It’s a program to help with makeovers. In the FAQ on the site, you can find out where their free workshops are being held in your local area. There are instructional videos at the link and “before and after” pictures. There are tips on makeup, nail care and fashion styling. There is even a Virtual Workshop where you can connect via the internet for a live session.

These are especially good tips for women going back to work during chemotherapy or shortly thereafter.

I did not wear makeup through my chemotherapy treatment, but many women do. It’s up to you. I did purchase a wig once I knew my hair would be falling out enough to wear one. I cut my hair short first. I bought some pretty scarves and hats for the winter months during my chemo infusions. I wore the scarves to the hospital and chemo. I did not want to have artificial products on or around me during chemo, especially since I had a port in my chest. The wig I only used for other more public places like the grocery store.

During your treatment you will experience every emotion imaginable. Scared, angry, shocked, sad, or totally numb and overwhelmed. This is normal. And for each person diagnosed with breast cancer, each will handle the news and ongoing treatment differently. It’s important to talk about how you are feeling with loved ones. If you feel it is becoming too unbearable, seek out help. Your hospital or cancer treatment center will be able to help connect you with licensed professionals that can help you through this difficult time. One place you can start outside the hospital is here:

In Canada, go to the Canadian Cancer Society and check out the Support & Services section.