Treatment
for Cervical Cancer
People who have lived through a serious illness often develop a new
perspective on life. You may see things differently than you did before
your diagnosis. Regardless of how cancer has changed you though, it
is important that you continue to pay special attention to your physical
and mental well being.
Your doctor and nurse will give you specific tips on maintaining your
health. Depending on the kind of cancer you’ve been treated
for, and your age and general health, your doctor will tell you how
often you need check-ups.
Health needs of cancer survivors differ from person to person. However,
there are some things that all cancer survivors can do to foster good
health. These include:
Eat a nutritious diet. In general, eating
a nutritious diet is recommended for cancer survivors. A healthy diet
is one that includes foods from the four food groups: fruits and vegetables,
proteins, grains, and dairy foods. If you have special dietary needs
as a result of your cancer, a registered dietician can teach you how
to design a nutritious menu. Eating well keeps bodies strong and full
of energy so they can do the things they need to do, like exercise.
Exercise. Your doctor will advise you
to exercise or be as active as possible. Some cancer survivors find
that walking is a good form of exercise and relaxation. Consult your
health-care team about your exercise plans. They can approve them
or suggest ones that might be better suited for you as you regain
your physical strength. If cancer has limited your ability to exercise,
your doctor or physical therapist can suggest new ways to exercise.
Rest. In addition to being active, it
is also important to rest. If you are feeling back to normal physically,
you might not want to dive into everything you did before your diagnosis.
Easing back into the life you lived before cancer will make this time
of transition easier and less stressful. Get plenty of sleep. Pace
yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, set short-term goals for yourself.
Take one day at a time until you are ready for more.
Communicate. Continue to have good communication
with your health-care team. Let people help you. Even though your
treatments are over and you are no longer making frequent trips to
the hospital or doctor’s office, you may still feel emotionally
and physically exhausted. Talk about these feelings with your doctor,
nurse, or social worker. Talk about this with your family and friends.
A network of help is available to cancer survivors through support
groups, counselors, clergy members, and other spiritual leaders. |
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