Cancer has been a leading cause of death worldwide for decades. According to WHO, more than 10 million people have succumbed to different forms of Cancer in 2020 alone. Estimates show that 1 in every 9 Indians have a probability of developing cancer during their lifetime, and India is not even one of the top 50 countries with the highest cancer rates.
On the positive side, 80% of cancer victims recover and survive, if detected and diagnosed during early stages. Timely treatment and strong willpower help you to make it through the entire course of the process. We all know how difficult it is for someone to survive all those gruelling chemotherapy and radiation sessions.
As the treatment ends, a new chapter begins. One of happiness and hope, but also fear, depression, and worries. To accept the changes in one’s body, to live in a constant state of pain is equally taxing on the body, as it is on the mind.
Looking after physical well-being:
We know how cancer affects the body, and it is for anyone recovering to keep up with it. You feel tired the entire day, and under the action of a high dosage of sedatives and painkillers, your body becomes extremely weak and vulnerable. Low immunity allows free passage of infections which we need to prevent. You need to take care of the following:
Healthy Diet Plan:
Your body’s nutrients need to be replenished for the immune system to work properly. A properly balanced diet consisting of less saturated fats and more protein is necessary is what you will need daily. Keep in mind that throughout the day, you should consume servings of:
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins
- Anti-oxidants
- Fibres
- Unsaturated fats
Complementary Therapies:
These aim to reduce fatigue and pain. For example:
- Aromatherapy
- Acupuncture
- Reflexology
Medication:
The end of treatment does not ensure a complete stoppage of metastasis. You should consume your daily medication as prescribed to prevent cancer recurrence.
Integrative Care:
Cancer affects the patient both physically and emotionally. The objective of integrative cancer care is to help patients cope with treatment-related side effects and minimize them as these can prove to be fatal otherwise. Almost all hospitals provide this facility. Its steps are:
- Naturopathic support
- Oncology rehabilitation
- Pain management
- Spiritual support
Home Health Care:
Nursing agencies provide home health care packages for cancer patients, just like any other disease. They are specialized in providing personalized and specific guidance and services for an easier life for the patient, as the family members can’t take care of all these above-mentioned aspects alone.
- Palliative Care: This is curated for patients who are in their terminal stages or undergoing severe complexities.
- Visiting your Oncologist: After your treatment ends you will meet your oncologist less than before. But visiting every four or six months for regular checkups, at least for the first two years is necessary.
(Statistics say that the probability of Cancer recurrence is higher during the first two years and decreases thereafter.)
Thoughts occurring to a cancer warrior:
Once you have defeated the disease, you will have different thoughts crowding your mind. We can try to list the frequently occurring ones are along the paths of:
- Cancer Recurrence
- Self Acceptance
- Unstable relationships
- Unfinished businesses
These thoughts occur quite normally to all cancer survivors and may often disturb your mental peace, which will indirectly affect your physical well-being. Thus, we need to find ways to curb these thoughts from bothering you.
Caring about Mental health:
You may be worried and tired from all the physical and mental turmoil you went through during the treatment, and rightfully so. But you need to maintain a positive outlook to start your life again from where you left it. Everybody is unique and so are their coping mechanisms. But the one thing that is common in everybody, is the willingness to overcome the trauma. On a broader spectrum, some things that help are:
- Support Groups:
A large majority of Cancer patients have agreed that support groups are helpful and have helped them attain peace of mind. It is here that people understand the fact that they are not alone.
- Care team consultation:
You may experience certain episodes of recurring depressing feelings and thoughts. It is completely normal and you should not beat yourself up for this. Instead, you should open up about this to your care team or counsellor, who might help you cope up.
The life of a cancer survivor is not an easy one and is filled with uncertainties. Life doesn’t go back to complete normalcy at once. But by social indulgence and self-acceptance, one can minimize the negativity. Nothing changes the fact that you have beaten one of the deadliest diseases in the world. With strong willpower, you will live a fulfilling long life, like hundreds of fellow survivors!
We, at TriBeCa Care, care about you and your family. Our Specialised Cancer Care services are categorically structured to support you and your loved ones battling cancer. If you have any further query then feel free to reach us. Call us at + 913366064208 or request a callback. Email us at enquiry@newwpsite.tribecacare.com
