Emerging from a cancer journey is a huge milestone in courage and resilience. Although the fight against cancer is a great achievement, post-cancer healing is a completely different story. This time for recovery and renewal is necessary for rebuilding physical strength and clarity, as well as balancing emotional health. Here are some elements that we feel are critical and oftentimes challenging in developing a Mindful Sustainable Existence

1. Physical Rehabilitation

Once cancer patients from treatable cancer have completed their treatment, their resilience, recovery, and well-being continue to depend on their bodily fortitude and stamina. Engage in a tailored exercise program that includes cardiovascular and strength-training exercises, to support your physical recovery while engaging in action that rebuilds structure and function. 

Physical therapy will likely be necessary; specifically to address any individual issues such as lymphedema, or mobility challenges. Sit down with your healthcare professionals to design a safe and effective rehabilitation program tailored to you.

2. Nutrition and Hydration

Nutrition is important for supporting your immune system in your healing journey. Post-cancer it is highly recommended to focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Staying hydrated is also important as it helps your body detox and does all of its other things more efficiently. 

Enlist the help of a dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition to create a custom meal plan following your nutritional requirements. Avoiding processed foods and minimizing sugar intake are some measures worth taking to promote your body's self-healing and immunity.

3. Emotional and Mental Health

The emotional and mental health effects of cancer can be long-lasting, and in many cases continue long after treatment has ended. It is important to pay close attention to these aspects as they are a large part of achieving a holistic state of health.

Professional emotional and mental health services such as counseling or therapy can provide you with useful tools to tackle the everyday problems faced by post-cancer survivors and to overcome the emotional challenges of cancer trauma. 

4. Build a Positive Image

Alongside the emotional trauma of cancer, the effects of treatment can have a significant impact on the physical appearance of the individual after chemotherapy, radiation or indeed surgery. From dealing with hair loss, to swelling and weight gain as a result of medication, to surgery to remove tumours, a patient can sometimes feel like a different person as they come to terms with their altered appearance post treatment. In regaining confidence some people may look to work with a hairdresser to develop a new look that they feel empowered in, whilst others may seek the help of fashion stylist to build a new wardrobe or repurpose existing styles for a changed body shape. Some cancer survivors may choose reconstruction or cosmetic surgery to tackle the alterations that treatment has caused. This step is extremely personal and can significantly impact a persons healing journey and so the more support they receive in this area from friends and family, the more confidence they will feel in adjusting to a new normal.

 It is important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider and review all the pros and cons and associated factors before deciding to proceed with any form of cosmetic surgery. 

5. Establish New Normals

After cancer, your sense of normalcy can change. This time serves as the chance to investigate your value system, define new aims, and develop a lifestyle that will fulfill your long-term health and happiness requirements. 

Make regular health check-ups, exercise, good nutrition, and mental health routine a part of your life. Finally, do things that bring you joy and fill your heart; be it casual travel, learning a new skill, or spending time with someone you love. Challenging yourself will bring you a great sense of accomplishment and having fun will add to your overall quality of life and mental wellbeing, enabling you to move forward with life.

In conclusion, the final part of healing and thriving takes place in recognising that whilst life will never be the same again after cancer, every step you take in recovery, every cycle of treatment you complete, is a testament to your resilience and your body’s ability to survive. Your journey becomes someone else’s hope and there is great empowerment in that. Whilst the road to recovery can often be slow, it is possible to regain a sense of confidence and to feel in control of your life again with the right help, support and wellbeing tools.

If you need any help or support for yourself or for someone you know who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.

BEAUTY