A Consistent Daily Routine During the Cancer Journey
Maintaining a disciplined and consistent daily routine can be incredibly beneficial during cancer treatment. Here's a suggested routine that combines self-care, medical needs, and personal activities:
Diet
During cancer treatment, maintaining a well-balanced diet is crucial for various reasons, including boosting energy levels, strengthening the immune system, promoting faster healing, enhancing quality of life, and improving tolerance to treatment. Here are some general guidelines:
Suggested diet for someone with Cancer:
This is a generalized chart for all cancers. Please consult with your physician for any specifications.
| CARBS AND VITAMINS | PROTEINS | FATS |
|---|---|---|
| Whole grains- whole wheat/bran/oats | Fish | Avocados |
| Food fortified with Vit D | Lean meat | Nut butters and sauces |
| Fruits | Beans | Grape seed oil, Olive oil |
| Green leafy vegetables | Seeds | Walnuts |
| Fluids like water, broth, juice, milk, milk alternatives, and Vit D fortified drinks help with both hydration and nutritional needs. |
Eating Difficulties during Cancer Treatment
If you're experiencing difficulties meeting your dietary goals:
- Track Your Appetite: Pay attention to when you feel most hungry and try to consume larger meals during those times.
- Smaller, Frequent Meals: Opt for five to six small meals throughout the day.
- Blended drinks: Liquids are easier to consume, so having shakes and smoothies can help you meet your calorie requirements more comfortably.
Foods to Avoid and Dietary Considerations
Given that cancer and its treatments can weaken the immune system, it's important to avoid foods that pose a risk of foodborne illness, such as:
- Raw or undercooked meat like raw fish, e.g., Eating Sushi
- Soft cooked eggs, food having raw eggs like mayonnaise
- Unpasteurized dairy
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Moreover, certain foods may exacerbate treatment-related side effects:
- Dry Mouth: Avoid spicy, salty, hard, or crunchy foods as they may worsen dry mouth caused by treatments like radiation.
- Mouth Sores: Avoiding acidic or rough-textured foods like citrus, tomatoes, and raw vegetables can help reduce sores formation inside the mouth.
What to do when you have the following:
- Sore Throat or Difficulty Swallowing: Opt for soft, non-spicy foods and avoid acidic items to ease discomfort.
- Nausea: Ginger-based products, crackers, toast, bananas, and oatmeal can help alleviate nausea.
Registered dietitians possess specialized expertise in tailoring nutrition plans to meet the unique needs of individuals with specific medical conditions, including cancer. For individuals with limited energy, either having somebody make food for you or exploring healthy takeout alternatives can be a practical solution for meals. Additionally, incorporating cost-effective yet nutritious options such as beans, frozen fruits, and vegetables into simple dishes can help stretch your budget while nourishing your body effectively.
Remember to listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed to accommodate fluctuations in energy levels or treatment side effects.
Exercise
Listen to your body on days of unexpected fatigue; avoid overexertion. Even a small amount of activity is beneficial; consistency is key. Find a routine that suits you. Begin slowly to gauge your energy levels and comfort with different activities. For instance, start with 10-minute walks and gradually increase duration and intensity over time. Incorporate warm-up and cooldown periods to allow your body to adjust.
Research says that staying active improves treatment outcomes and minimizes side effects. It boosts body and brain function, appetite, energy, sleep, and mental well-being. The ideal exercise routine varies based on factors such as your fitness level before cancer diagnosis, the type and stage of cancer, treatment-related side effects, and your energy levels. It's essential to discuss your exercise plans with your healthcare team before starting any new routine.
The American College of Sports Medicine advises aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, along with 2-3 strength training and stretching sessions.
| AEROBIC | STRENGTH TRAINING |
|---|---|
| Walking/hiking | Hand weights |
| Stationary cycling | Resistance bands |
| Swimming or dancing | Bodyweight exercises |
Sleep
Improving your sleep quality is possible with simple lifestyle adjustments:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps expend energy and calm the mind, facilitating better sleep.
- Maintain a routine: Consistent sleep and wake times train your body for better sleep quality.
- Limit naps: Keep daytime naps short, around 20 minutes, and avoid them later in the afternoon.
- Watch what you eat: Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods close to bedtime and allow time for digestion.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, reserving it solely for sleep.
- Practice relaxation: Wind down with a warm bath, reading, or other calming activities before bedtime to ease into sleep.
Coping with Stress and Anxiety
Seeking support from a counselor or therapist can provide tailored strategies for managing cancer-related emotions or any other feelings you're experiencing. Here are some initial techniques you can try:
- Breathing exercises: Practice slow, controlled breaths to induce relaxation and reduce stress.
- Visualization: Imagine peaceful settings or scenarios to promote a sense of calmness and tranquility.
- Meditation: Reflect on questions or ideas, or simply let thoughts pass by without judgment to foster mental clarity and inner peace.
- Engage in a new hobby: Explore activities like painting or other hobbies that capture your interest and offer a means of relaxation.
Lifestyle Changes
Alcohol and chemotherapy drugs both undergo liver processing, and alcohol intake can reduce drug efficacy. Moreover, alcohol can exacerbate treatment side effects such as nausea, mouth sores, and dehydration, and may interact negatively with prescribed medications.
Similarly, smoking cigarettes can hinder chemotherapy effectiveness and impede other treatments like radiation therapy. Additionally, smoking can impair healing and raise the risk of post-surgery complications, such as infections. Like alcohol, smoking can worsen treatment side effects.
All these factors, if incorporated with discipline and consistency, can improve treatment effectiveness, alleviate side effects, and enhance your quality of life.