After a cancer diagnosis, you will probably feel like things have taken a complete turn in your life. You fear it will prevent you from pursuing your passions. These feelings are natural and should not be ignored. However, it is essential to remember that cancer is not a life sentence. You can live your life, and some even get treated when discovered early in the Austin cancer pain treatment center.
It would be best to incorporate a healthy lifestyle to manage cancer and the side effects during treatment. Below are practical ways to live positively:
1. Healthy Diet
When you have cancer, a good diet is vital to give you the right nutrients. However, it is also essential to have a good diet plan to help you through different treatment phases. For instance, during and after chemotherapy, some foods can make the side effects worse. These include hot, spicy foods, sugary foodstuff, and oily foods.
On the other hand, you can have small food portions over the day and avoid eating too quickly. Remember to drink plenty of fluids together with foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Support
Having a great support system plays a fundamental role in how you will manage the condition. Being alone can be devastating, especially after the diagnosis. Seek help from your family, friends, and your doctor.
It would also help to find support from people who are managing the condition like you. It assures you that you are not alone. By having meetings, you share the best practices to do and the ones to avoid as well.
Do not shy away from voicing your fears and frustrations in living with the disease. Acknowledging them and talking to someone you trust about your feelings will help you gain clarity and have emotional stability.
3. The Treatment
Prioritize finding the best treatment to help you manage the disease. For instance, choose a doctor who understands best the type of cancer you are fighting for better treatment. Such a professional has the expertise and experience in managing the disease, and will offer the best treatment plan for you. You can also seek second opinions. In the process, you may get chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or even surgery, depending on what your doctor deems fit.
It is common to experience side effects after the treatment. Should they become too problematic, consult your doctor, who will advise you on the best way to counter them. The side effects may also vary depending on the treatment option.
If you experience intense pain during your treatment, consult an interventional pain management specialist. Your physician can opt for pain medication, radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, and even spinal cord stimulator, depending on your state. Without pain, it becomes easier to follow your treatment procedures.
No matter the cancer advancement during diagnosis, always remember you can live your life pursuing your passions. You can learn a new skill, check items off your bucket list, and, most importantly, acknowledge the situation as it is. Additionally, it is advisable to follow your physician’s advice to the latter to manage the condition in the best way possible.