Self Care Measures With Cancer

What are self-care measures?

Self-care measures are steps you can take to help you cope with cancer and its treatment. You may help yourself feel better by changing the way you do things. You also may need to stop doing certain things that make you feel worse. Self-care measures may include increasing your physical activity or attending mental health therapy. You may learn to use tools that help you take care of yourself. You may use self-care measures by yourself or with help from caregivers, support groups, friends, or family. Self-care measures may help you do your normal daily activities. Using self-care measures also may decrease your symptoms, such as pain.

How do I use self-care measures?

Self-care measures can be used in addition to your caregiver's treatment and care for your cancer. Your self-care measures will depend on your condition, treatment, and health. You and your caregiver will work together to develop a plan for taking care of yourself at home. You also may learn ways to take care of yourself while at work. Ask your caregiver which self-care measures you should do. Always follow your caregiver's instructions for taking care of yourself.

What changes should I expect when I have cancer?

Your symptoms will depend on where the cancer is located in your body. Your symptoms may change as your cancer gets worse or better.

• Fatigue: You may feel tired most of the time. You may feel that your energy level is too low for you to do your normal daily activities. You also may feel too tired to talk to or interact with people.
  
  
• Pain: You may feel different types of pain because of your cancer. Your pain may last a short time or you may have pain for a long time. Your pain may feel dull or sharp. You may feel pressure or tingling on your skin. You may feel pain in one area of your body or all over. The pain may be so bad that it gets in the way of your normal daily activities. Pain also may make it hard for you to sleep.
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting: You may have nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) because of your cancer or treatment. You may vomit (throw up) because of the chemicals used in your treatment.
  
  
• Weight loss: You may not want to eat because of your nausea. You may lose weight because the cancer changes the way food is processed in your body. You also may lose weight because you no longer have an appetite for food. You may eat less food than before you had cancer because you taste and smell food differently. You may not get enough nutrition because of vomiting or diarrhea (loose, watery stools). You may feel full too soon after eating or feel too weak to eat.
  
  
• Bowel movements and urinating: During or after your treatment, your bowel movements (BM) may change. You may have diarrhea or constipation (dry and hard stools). You may have trouble controlling your urination. This is called incontinence. You also may feel the need to urinate more often than you did before you had cancer.
  
  
• Mood changes: You may feel angry, anxious (very worried and nervous), or depressed (very sad) because of your cancer. You may feel sad about how your body has changed. You may feel anxious about what changes may still happen to your body. You also may feel sad about things that you can no longer do. You may lose interest in sexual intercourse (sex). You may feel scared or sad about possibly dying and how it may feel to your family. You may feel these mood changes before, during, or after your treatment.
  
  
• Loss of sleep: You may not get enough sleep. Your treatment may make it hard for you to fall or stay asleep. This is called insomnia. Feeling anxious, upset, or sad about your cancer may cause you to have trouble sleeping. You also may have trouble sleeping because of your symptoms.

What changes to my diet should I make when I have cancer?

Your diet will depend on what type of cancer you have and what treatment you receive. You may need to eat or avoid certain foods. You also may need to change how much or how often you eat. Your diet may help you maintain a healthy weight. The right diet may help decrease some of your symptoms, such as fatigue. Ask your caregiver for proper instructions before you begin any diet. Always follow your caregiver's diet plan carefully.

• Drink water. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily, unless your caregiver says you need less or more. Drinking enough water may help prevent you from feeling sick to your stomach, dizzy, or tired.
  
  
• Eat the proper amount of food. Eating the proper amount of food may help you be more healthy. It also may help you feel less tired. If you are underweight, you may need to eat more. Eating several small meals may help you get enough nutrition. Making your food hotter or colder than usual may make it easier to eat. You may also try changing the texture of your food, such as making it softer. Your caregiver may suggest that you drink high nutrition drinks, such as protein shakes. If you are overweight, your caregiver may suggest certain foods that help you feel full and still lose weight.
  
  
• Eat a balanced diet. Your caregiver will tell you what types of food you should eat to have a balanced diet. Your caregiver may tell you to limit the amount of sugar that you eat. Your caregiver will tell you how much protein, fat, and carbohydrates to eat. Carbohydrates provide energy to your body and are found in sugar and grains, such as bread and pasta. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide your body with healthy sources of carbohydrates. Good sources of protein are fish, lean (non-fatty) meat, eggs, and nuts. You may need to eat different types of protein if you do not eat food that comes from animals. Your caregiver may want you to eat nuts, seeds, and food made from soybeans (soy) for protein.
  
  
• Eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids. Your caregiver may want you to eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients that can be found in foods such as fish and walnuts. Eating foods that have omega-3 fatty acids may decrease your risk of getting heart disease.
  
  
• Eat foods that are high in fiber. Foods that contain a lot of fiber include beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Eating foods that are high in fiber may help avoid problems with your bowel movements, such as constipation. Foods high in fiber also may lower your cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.
  
  
• Eat fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are good for you. Fruits and vegetables also have antioxidants, which are chemicals or vitamins that may prevent cell damage. Eating fruits and vegetables may increase your chance of surviving your cancer. Eating fruits and vegetables also may help stop your cancer from happening again. Eat at least two and a half cups of vegetables and fruits a day. Microwave or steam your vegetables to get the most nutrients from them. Ask your caregiver how much fruit and how many vegetables you should eat each day.
  
  
• Avoid vitamins and mineral supplements. Supplements are vitamins or minerals that you may normally take as a pill. Vitamins and minerals may cause your treatment not to work as well. Supplements with antioxidants may cause problems with treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Do not take vitamins or minerals unless your caregiver says that you should take them. Instead, ask your caregiver which foods contain the types of vitamins and minerals that you need.

What lifestyle changes should I make when I have cancer?

You may need to change certain things in your life to help keep you from getting sick. You also may need to make other changes to help you be as healthy as possible. These changes may help decrease your symptoms, such as fatigue.

• Avoid infection. Your cancer or treatment may make your immune system weak. This means it is harder for your body to fight infections caused by germs called bacteria. Your caregiver may teach you how to decrease your chances of getting an infection. You also may do the following:
  
  
  • Avoid public places where you can easily get an infection, such as gyms and swimming pools. Exercising in public gyms may increase your chances of getting an infection because gyms have a lot of germs. Swimming pools may cause problems with your skin. Do not use swimming pools if you have catheters (tubes) going into your body. You may go to these places once your caregiver says it is okay.
    
    
  • Wash your hands before touching food and making meals. Keep your cooking area and tools very clean.
    
    
  • Be careful when you touch raw meat, fish, chicken, and eggs. Cook all food until it reaches the right temperature.
    
    
  • Be careful when choosing what to eat at restaurants. Do not eat from a salad bar. Do not eat sushi or other raw food. Check your meat, fish, and other foods to make sure that they are cooked enough (not raw).
    
    
  • Avoid drinking water from a well.
  
  
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Having too many drinks that contain alcohol (such as beer, wine, and whiskey) may cause other health problems. If you are female, do not drink more than one drink that contains alcohol each day. If you are male, do not drink more than two drinks that contain alcohol each day. Ask your caregiver whether you should drink alcohol at all.
  
  
• Do not smoke. Smoking harms your heart and lungs. Smoking also increases your risk for getting other types of cancer. If you smoke, your cancer symptoms may become worse and it may take longer for you to recover from treatment. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking.
  
  
• Exercise regularly. Exercise may help improve your health and mood, and may help you maintain a healthy weight. Exercise may help you function better and improve the quality of your life. It also may decrease your fatigue and anxiety. You may feel better about yourself. Exercise may help make your heart, muscles and body stronger. Ask your caregiver for instructions about exercising. Do not exercise longer or harder than your caregiver says is okay.
  
  
• Get enough rest. Sleeping enough at night and taking naps during the day may help you feel more rested. If you have trouble sleeping, your caregiver can teach you ways to help you sleep. He also may suggest creating a quiet and peaceful bedroom to help you fall asleep.

What exercises should I do when I have cancer?

Your caregiver may want you to have an exercise plan. Exercise may strengthen your muscles and help you keep your balance. You may have less pain and you may be less tired if you exercise. Exercise may improve your mood and you may feel less depressed or anxious. You may feel better about yourself. Your caregiver will tell you how hard and long you should exercise. Always follow your caregiver's exercise instructions carefully. Your caregiver may have you do any of the following exercises:

• Aerobics: Aerobics are exercises that make your heart pump faster. Aerobics may improve the health of your heart and lungs. Aerobics also may increase your energy and help you feel less tired. Walking, swimming, or doing simple household chores like vacuuming may be considered aerobic exercises.
  
  
• Stretching: Stretching may help you become more flexible. Stretching may be a good choice if you are tired or cannot do other exercises.
  
  
• Strength training: During strength training, you may become stronger by lifting weights. Strength training or lifting weights may help your body become stronger and your heart become healthier. You may become more flexible. You may feel less tired. Do not lift weights that are heavier than what your caregiver says is okay.

What can I do to cope with my mood changes when I have cancer?

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of mental health treatment that may help change the way you think or act. During CBT, your mental health caregiver will teach you that thoughts and beliefs may make your symptoms better or worse. CBT may help you feel less depressed and anxious. CBT can help your depression by changing the way you feel about yourself and the world around you. Your caregiver also may help you balance the time you spend working, relaxing, and taking care of yourself.
  
  
• Exercise: Exercise may strengthen your muscles and help keep you from getting tired easily. If you have more energy, you may be able to get more things done during the day. You also may interact more with others.
  
  
• Counseling: During counseling, you will talk with your counselor about your feelings and emotions. Your counselor may help you solve problems. He also may help you learn ways to feel better. He may teach you skills that help you adjust to having cancer. Your counselor may help you feel less scared and sad. He may help you get along with other people better. Your family members or friends may attend some of your meetings. If your mental health symptoms become severe, your counselor may give you medicine for your symptoms.
  
  
• Support groups: You may want to talk to other people who have cancer. People with cancer may have the same kinds of problems that you have. In a support group, you may discuss your feelings about your cancer and treatment. You also may talk about dealing with your symptoms. Family members also may find help in support groups. Ask your caregiver for more information about support groups.

What types of therapy may help me?

Therapy may help you maintain or improve how you take care of yourself. It may help you learn how to do your normal daily activities. Therapy may help you adapt to changes caused by your cancer, symptoms, and treatment. Ask your caregiver for more information about the following:

• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) uses work, self-care, and play activities to help you in your daily life. There are many ways an occupational therapist may help you become better able to take care of yourself. He may teach you special skills for bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, and driving. An occupational therapist may help you choose equipment to help you do things at home or work. You and your therapist will plan a program that works for you.
  
  
• Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy (PT). A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises may help make your bones and muscles stronger. Physical therapy may help decrease the pain caused by your cancer. You also may feel less tired and have more energy after PT. PT may help you feel better about yourself.
  
  
• Speech therapy: You may need speech therapy if you have trouble speaking or have slurred (unclear) speech. A speech therapist may work with you to help you talk or swallow.
  
  
• Relaxation therapy: Stress may cause pain, lead to illness, and slow healing. Relaxation therapy teaches you how to feel less physical and emotional stress. Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and music are some forms of relaxation therapy.

What are other ways that may help decrease my symptoms?

You may want to use therapies that do not use medicine. These therapies will not replace your cancer treatment, but they may help some of your symptoms. Do not take herbal, botanic (plant), or diet supplements unless your caregiver says that it is okay. Ask your caregiver for more information about these treatments:

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a treatment based on a belief that energy flows through channels in our bodies. During acupuncture, caregivers will insert tiny needles under your skin. This is believed to open the channels wider and help energy flow. Acupuncture may decrease your symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. It also may help decrease your pain and help you breathe better. Always see a caregiver for this treatment. Never try to do acupuncture on yourself.
  
  
• Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a way to control how your body reacts to things like stress or pain. Biofeedback uses electrodes (wires) to monitor your body responses, such as your blood pressure and breathing. These electrodes are placed on different parts of your body, such as your chest. The electrodes are attached to a TV-type monitor, which gives you information about your body. With biofeedback, you may learn to control how your body responds to things that upset you.
  
  
• Mind-body therapies: Mind-body therapies suggest that your feelings, thoughts, and physical health affect one another. Mind-body therapies include mental health therapy, hypnosis, meditation, and imagery. Exercises like yoga also may be considered mind-body therapy. During yoga, you will learn different ways to stretch your body. During hypnosis, your caregiver will help you change your feelings, thoughts, and senses while you deeply relax. During meditation, you may learn to focus inside yourself using deep breathing exercises. The goal of meditation is to help you feel more calm and peaceful. During imagery, your caregiver will help you use your thoughts to help change your health and emotions.
  
  
• Touch therapy: Massage (rubbing) may help you relax. Massage may help decrease swelling in your legs and ankles. After a massage, you may feel less pain and you may also be able to breathe better. A massage also may help you feel less anxious. Do not get a massage if you have a bleeding problem. Your caregiver should not deeply rub the part of your body where you have your cancer. He should avoid touching areas that have changed due to your cancer or treatment.

Where can I find support and more information?

Having cancer may be a life-changing event. You may need help coping with your cancer, symptoms, and treatment. Talk to your caregiver, family, or friends. Tell your caregiver if you want to talk to a mental health caregiver for more support. You may want to join a support group. For more support and information, contact any of the following:

• American Cancer Society
  250 Williams Street
  Atlanta , GA 30303
  Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
  

• National Cancer Institute
  6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 3036A
  Bethesda , MD 20892-8322
  Phone: 1- 800 - 422-6237
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
  

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• You have pain that does not go away after taking medicine.
  
  
• You feel too tired to do your normal daily activities.
  
  
• You do not feel like eating.
  
  
• You cannot pass gas.
  
  
• Your legs or ankles are swollen.
  
  
• You have new symptoms or your symptoms are getting worse.
  
  
• You feel more sad or worried than usual.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your cancer, treatment, diet, or care.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You feel like hurting yourself.
  
  
• You feel like you have broken a bone (your bone feels out of place or has pain and swelling).
  
  
• You have stomach pains that do not go away.
  
  
• You have fallen.
  
  
• You have new or different chest pain.
  
  
• You have new trouble breathing.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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