Meanwhile, some women having stage 4 breast cancers (advanced breast cancer) may never fully recover from the disease. These women might continue receiving therapies in an effort to manage their breast cancer and lessen their symptoms. Learning to cope with any cancer and post-treatment recovery can be stressful and filled with uncertainty.
Follow-up care is crucial even after your breast cancer treatment is completed, says Dr. Garvit Chitkara, a well-known breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai.
Depending on the severity of the disease, various breast cancer treatments can include mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph node removal, breast reconstruction, surgical breast biopsy, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.
And as with treatment for almost any ailment, side effects are inevitable.
Side effects that can be expected after breast cancer treatment
Nearly every cancer treatment has potential adverse effects. The side effects of breast cancer treatments may include changes that impact the mobility of your arms and shoulders, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, fatigue, and scar tightness, among others.
Some effects might last a very long time, while others might last for some days or weeks. Some side effects could even take years after your therapy is over to manifest.
Dr. Garvit Chitkara, an experienced breast oncology surgeon in Mumbai, says you must attend all the follow-up sessions because your doctors will want to constantly monitor you even after your breast cancer treatment is through.
And you should not hold off on seeking treatment if worries about your cancer arise between appointments. You must ask questions and discuss any changes, issues, or concerns you have with your doctor when you see them.
Read on to learn some follow-up care tips to recover faster after treatment for breast cancer.
Tips for recovering faster post breast cancer treatment
Here are some tips to help you recover faster and return to your life as soon as possible.
Take your medications
Be sure to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. post surgeryThese will help reduce pain and prevent infection. post completion of treatment if hormone therapy is given this redues the chances of cancer coming back
Follow-up visits with the care team
Laboratory and imaging tests are often not required after treatment for most early-stage breast cancers. However, they may be carried out on certain women experiencing symptoms to determine whether the symptoms are due to a recurrence of the disease or the adverse effects of the treatment.
Get enough rest
Relax
Exercise
Latest research has shown that exercising regularly for 40 mins per day and atleast 5 days a week significantly reduces the risk of cancer coming back.
Eat healthily
Conclusion
Women with breast cancer may undergo various procedures, including mastectomy and lumpectomy, depending on the severity of their condition. The rehabilitation of these cancer survivors receives very little attention. And hence, promoting physical and psychological healing is urgently required.
Following the tips in this blog will help you recover from breast cancer surgery as quickly and safely as possible.
If you or a loved one needs medical assistance or advice about breast cancer, please do not hesitate to visit the accomplished breast oncologist, Dr. Garvit Chitkara. With over 14 years of expertise, he is among the preferred surgeons for people seeking breast cancer surgery in Mumbai.
