Go, Get Prepared for Breast Cancer Treatment GET PREPARED.

How can you prepare for what’s ahead?

Being treated for breast cancer may be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Creating healthy coping strategies and participating in certain wellness activities can help you stay ahead of the anxiety and stress, and may even help in managing some of your side effects. Focus on bettering your mind, body, and soul, and set up support from family, friends, and professionals.

How can you Prepare for Breast Cancer Treatment?
Ask About Your Breast Cancer Treatment Schedule so you can Plan Ahead for Support

Plan ahead for support

Ask about your treatment schedule so you know what to expect and when you may need help with your everyday tasks.

Plan for appointments
Talk to your care team about what to expect upon arrival, how to dress, what to bring, and any other suggestions. If you’ve selected therapy that includes infusions, be sure you ask about the treatment schedule.
Think about your daily routine
If it’s an option, consider hiring help with babysitting, cleaning, cooking, or any other household duties to save you time and energy while you’re focused on treatment. You can also ask your family or friends to help you take care of everyday tasks. There are groups that offer financial assistance or can connect you to other resources to help cover the costs of childcare, food, or other services that you may be eligible to receive.
Consider treatment transportation
There are organizations that help with transportation to and from treatments. Or ask yourself: Can someone I know do this for me? This can help ease the stress of arranging rides for each appointment.
Diet Recommendations and Wellness Activities That may Help Before, During, or After Breast Cancer Treatment

Prepare physically

Ask your care team about diet recommendations and wellness activities that may help before, during, or after treatment.

Eat well
Good nutrition is important all the time, but especially during breast cancer treatment. Do a little research or talk to a dietitian for help achieving your nutritional goals.
Take a yoga class
Yoga and other wellness activities are sometimes called “integrative therapies,” meaning they can go along with breast cancer treatment. Look for yoga studios near you or for online classes. Your care team may be able to recommend an experienced instructor and help you decide if yoga is safe for you.
Explore acupuncture and massage
The practices of acupuncture and massage can help ease pain, stress, and fatigue. Talk to your care team to understand if acupuncture or massage is right for you.
How to Prepare Mentally and Emotionally for Breast Cancer Treatment

Prepare mentally and emotionally

Ask about different things you can try to help manage stress and anxiety.

Consider meditation
There are many different types of meditation practices. Meditation may help increase relaxation, focus, and well-being, while lowering anxiety and stress.
Take music therapy
This therapy may help with physical, emotional, and mental needs. There are different types of music therapy, for example, listening to music before treatment or creating live music.
Write it down
Keeping a journal can help you express your thoughts and feelings. It can also be a good tool to track how you’re feeling during breast cancer treatment. You can use your notes to help guide conversations with your care team.
One Step you Could Take is to Seek out Local or National Breast Cancer Organizations

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Do I have the day-to-day support I need?
  • Have I made a list of things to do to help myself during this time?
  • Are there things that others can do to help me during this time?

Talk to your care team about helpful resources.

What else can you do?

Your care team understands that stress can affect your overall health. They can help connect you to other health care or wellness professionals who may be able to help you with other needs.

You may not realize that people want to help you, and it’s okay for you to ask them. Whether you need to confide in others, lean on them, discuss your options with them, or just have them help distract you by doing everyday things — it’s important to ask for the support you need. One step you could take is to seek out local or national breast cancer organizations.

MEET THE CARE TEAM
As you Prepare for Breast Cancer Treatment, Gather Those Who Will Support you, Including an Extended Healthcare Team
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