In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day on June 5th, we would like to acknowledge those of you that have been through all of your treatments and celebrate you.  If you are in need of a little direction after your treatments, we hope that you will find the following tips to be helpful.  

Follow-Up Care

Your doctor probably has given you a care plan that includes future checkups and testing.  This is called follow-up care.  Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and stay healthy.    

Want to lower your risk of getting cancer or having cancer return?  Along with your doctor’s orders, you can be proactive about your health with the following tips.

• If you use tobacco products, try to quit.  Plus try to stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunscreen, hats, etc.  Avoid tanning beds too.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Keep a healthy weight.  Your doctor can provide you with a healthy weight range to stay within.
• Make sure you are staying active.  Physical activity is a key factor in staying healthy.
• Ask your doctor what vaccinations you should receive.  It is a good idea to get your annual flu shot if it is approved by your physician.
• Do you have a survivorship care plan?  If so, bring it with you to your doctor’s appointments.

Cancer Survivors’ Mental Health

Your mental health is always important, right?  Surviving cancer brings so many emotions that you might not always know how to deal with.  Make sure you talk about your feelings.  Talking about your mental health with your doctor is just as important as talking about your physical health with them.  You may also find that support groups for cancer survivors can be helpful places where you can talk to other people with similar experiences.

Experiencing Chemo Brain?

Have you heard of others talking about chemo brain?  Chemo brain is really describing problems with cognition and memory.  Any one of these things can occur as a result of receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer.  Depression, anxiety, stress, and trouble sleeping can contribute to any problems with concentration that you may have. If you are concerned, consult your doctor.

Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to adjust to your new normal.  Your healthcare team can provide you with additional information and/or tools to help you address any challenges you may face.  

Here at OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we look forward to helping you with your healthcare needs.