Your Wellness Plan

Here are the building blocks of a plan for a happy, healthy life after cancer treatment:

Good nutrition
Obesity, a high-fat diet, and a high alcohol intake may increase your risk for another cancer or a recurrence. Good nutrition is important for healing, and also for cancer prevention.

Managing menopause
Many women who have had breast cancer or a gynecological cancer will face menopause without estrogen replacement therapy, because of questions about its safety for these women. We can help you manage the side effects of menopause, which include hot flashes, osteoporosis, and a higher risk of heart disease.

Regaining strength and flexibility
You may need physical therapy to regain your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Exercise can also help you manage lymphedema, the swelling that is a common side effect of cancer treatment.

Emotional health
Cancer treatment can cause intense psychological consequences and disruptions in your relationships with family and friends. Common feelings include depression, anxiety, mood swings, and fears of a recurrence or death. These emotions do not automatically go away once treatment is over. We can help you regain your emotional well-being.

Sexual issues
The cancer experience hits many women hard—they may feel less feminine and less sexually attractive after cancer treatment. We can help with the physical, medical, and emotional issues that may be getting in the way of your sexuality.

 

October 2005