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In Treatment For Breast Cancer: Managing Your Medical Care

Lifestyle While Undergoing Treatment

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Taking the following steps will help you feel in control. They also help maximize your body's ability to get through treatment. (NOTE: Also see the section of this document about the specific treatment you are undergoing).

Do what you can to:

  • Eat nutritiously  
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Only drink safe water
  • Reduce risk of infection in all aspects of your daily life. 
    • Infections slow recovery. 
    • If your immune system is low (say, from chemotherapy) infections can pose a major risk to your health.
  • Exercise (yes, even during treatment - though you may have to take it easier.)
  • Practice good mouth care. 
    • If your dentist advised additional precautions to take during treatment, take them. For instance, your dentist may recommend a fluoride mouth rinse or a fluoride gel in addition to daily brushing.
    • An infection in your mouth can lower your body's ability to fight your health condition. Keep your mouth clean. Brush at least twice a day. Floss at least once a day. (If you haven't had one lately, schedule a dental check up). 
    • Check your mouth every day. Call your dentist immediately if you notice any changes or problems. Any of the following symptoms may indicate an infection.
      • Bleeding or a sticky, white film in your mouth 
      • Lumps 
      • Soreness 
      • Swelling 
      • Ulcerations.
    • NOTE: Some cancer doctors recommend doing the following while chemotherapy is being administered to act as an anesthetic and to also provide hydration:
      • Sucking on a sugar-free popsicle 
      • Eat ice cubes or ice chips. 

Minimize alcohol consumption. For example, to one drink a day for women. (Men are limited to two a day).

  • Check with your doctor to find out if there is a negative interaction between alcohol and your treatment or any drugs you are taking.
  • Avoid recreational drugs.
  • Minimize stress
  • Rest 
  • Get appropriate sleep
  • Deal with emotions that surface. 
  • If you smoke consider stopping. 
    • Smoking may interfere with the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Cancer patients who smoke have a lower survival rate than nonsmokers. By quitting, a patient can improve the body’s response to treatments, lessen complications and side effects, decrease the risk of recurrence and enhance survival.
    • Quitting during treatment may be very uncomfortable. It may include a variety of symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety and irritability. On the other hand, it may help keep your mind off of the treatment.

For more information, see:

NOTE:

  • Do not attempt weight loss during treatment. Wait until the post treatment recovery phase.
  • Do not take herbs, vitamins or nutritional supplements or use recreational drugs during treatment unless you get your doctor's consent.

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