It’s important to take care of yourself during chemotherapy treatment. Getting enough rest, eating the right foods, even treating yourself to a little pampering once in a while can make a difference in how you respond to treatment.
While chemo can be difficult for some women, having a support system can help give you the additional emotional encouragement you need. A support system can consist of your family, your friends, or other women who are going through or have gone through the same thing. In fact, studies show that women with metastatic disease—cancer that’s spread to other parts of the body—who participate in support group therapy experience less pain and emotional distress than women who do not.
But support groups aren’t for everyone. Some women prefer a mentor or online support. How you choose to cope with your disease is personal. Access a wide range of resources and a list of support services that may be available to you.
While some women may benefit from online resources or talking it out, others may prefer alternative methods of coping. Today as many as 83% of breast cancer patients use complementary support measures. Often referred to as complementary and alternative care (CAC), these measures can help women cope with chemo treatment side effects, gain a sense of empowerment, manage cancer-related stress, and maintain hope. Common types of CAC include meditation, guided imagery, aromatherapy, and massage therapy, among others.
Remember that this is your time. Focus on yourself—both your mind and your spirit. If you find that chemo makes you tire easily, you may want to modify your work schedule for a while. Speak with your boss about the possibility of working part-time or doing some of your work from home until your fatigue subsides.
These ways of coping during chemo are just suggestions that may work for you. Consult your doctor to find out how best to take care of yourself during chemo.