Best Practices and Advice
Just like treatment comes with its own set of challenges, so does transitioning into survivorship. Whether you need guidance about improving your overall health & wellness during or after treatment, or you need the emotional support of people who really “get it,” Going Beyond the Pink can help. Let us help you thrive!
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2020, we launched a series of survivor narratives to help provide that extra support to those currently the newly diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, and those phasing into survivorship. We asked each participant the advice they would give to a current breast cancer patient, and we saw the same themes across the board:
Do your best to develop a strong support network and find trusted individuals you can talk to and lean on.
Keep a journal.
Try to keep a positive attitude and look on the bright side.
See a doctor with any concerns.
Speak up for yourself.
Be receptive to hugs and prayers.
Take care of your mental and physical health.
Not only did they offer up this great advice, but many also gave us the inside scoop on best practices that they picked up while undergoing treatment and for the years to come. They included:
Staying active - walking, biking, swimming, and more!
Being involved with their churches, communities, families, friends, and support groups.
Focusing on the positives of their situation and the things they can control.
Letting themselves feel the emotions and dealing with them in a healthy way rather than ignoring them altogether.
Accepting the help and support.
Praying.
It's okay not to be okay.
We know that some breast cancer patients and survivors may want or need extra support to help them through their treatment or as they transition into survivorship. Thoughts like, "I don't feel normal," or, "why did this happen to me?" might run across your mind, so it's important to know there is help.
Battling breast cancer also has the power to show you who your true friends are, and who really showed up for you. Some even find they don't take the little things for granted anymore, and this could be something like spending time at a favorite coffee shop with a friend.
Remember: your body is strong, and you are a fighter. Let us help you tap into that inner strength so you can find your best practices!
Helpful Resources
Sleep is part of the 3 pillars of health alongside movement and nutrition. The supporting factors that come with great sleep is it helps with immune function, supports brain function, the lymphatic (GL) system for the brain, and clears toxins from your brain while you sleep. Managing your sleep schedule can also manage your mental health, stress levels, regulating hormones, reduce inflammation, and help maintain body weight.