Tips To Recover Faster After Treatment For Breast Cancer

While many women are pleased to have finished their breast cancer treatments, they also worry about the disease returning. They may experience feelings of anxiety and loss if they do not interact with their cancer healthcare professionals as frequently.

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

The eminent breast surgical oncologist in Mumbai, Dr. Garvit Chitkara, stresses that the most crucial care post cancer treatment is to visit your cancer care team for follow-up sessions regularly.

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

After breast cancer surgery, your body needs time to recover. Get plenty of sleep and rest when you can. This will help your body heal and prevent infection.

Relax

Stress can delay your recovery. Take time to relax and de-stress. Try methods such as meditation or yoga. You can try deep breathing exercises when lying down. Breathing well helps reduce pain and can be a very relaxing experience. It will also aid in sleeping well.

Exercise

Exercise will help improve your blood circulation, lift your spirit, and speed up your recovery. Start with gentle movements and increase your activity as you feel able. Some easy steps include:

• Making circular motions with your elbows
• Repeatedly closing your hands into a fist and opening them
• Turning your head sideways and tilting them
• Making circular movements with your shoulders
• Raising your hands and bringing them down slowly
• Slow-paced walking

However, do not start any exercise routine without consulting your doctor first, cautions breast oncosurgeon Dr. Garvit Chitkara.

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

A healthy diet will help your body heal and give you the energy you need to get through the day. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein in your diet. Avoid sugary and fatty foods. Also, ensure that you keep yourself hydrated.

Reach out for support

And last but not least, do not bottle your feelings within yourself. Breast cancer surgery can be emotionally challenging. Reach out to your family and friends for support. Support groups can also be a great resource.

Dr. Garvit Chitkara adds that you must be sure to listen to your body and strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. With time and patience, you will be back to your old self.

Conclusion

Patients with breast cancer have physical symptoms and psychological discomfort that negatively impact the quality of their life. The patient can live a long and active life after undergoing therapy for breast cancer. However, breast cancer treatment can also be a physically and emotionally challenging journey.

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.