Body Esteem

A cancer diagnosis is certainly life-changing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Having a village of support, whether that’s family, friends, or a trusted counselor, makes it a lot easier to get through.

Getting a second opinion is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to go about it and build a collaborative care team that has your best interests in mind.

You deserve to feel heard and informed about your treatment. Link in bio to read more about this topic on the blog!

Wondering if you should get a second opinion? These are some signs that it might be time.

I’m diving even deeper into this topic on the blog this month. Link in bio to read the full post!

Remember that you don’t always have to have it all figured out. We’re all learning. As Maya Angelou said, ‘Then when you know better, do better.’

Thanks to advancements in treatment options, 30% of people with metastatic cancer are now living five years, even longer at times.

Which may seem quite optimistic, and while it can be at times, it also presents some unique challenges for patients.

Patients describe a feeling of living in limbo: your treatment is working, but there is so much uncertainty about the future. This can be incredibly taxing and take a heavy toll emotionally.

In this month’s blog post, Living With Stage 4 Cancer, I’m talking all about this limbo feeling, the struggles that come with it, and how you can navigate it.

Use the link in my bio to read the post 🔗

A stage 4 cancer diagnosis comes with a unique kind of fear.

Unlike earlier stage diagnoses, stage 4 cancer means the cancer has spread from its original location to other parts of the body, which is known as metastatic cancer. 

And now, thanks to advancements in treatment options, more people are living longer with metastatic cancer than ever before, which actually presents its own set of unique challenges for patients and their loved ones to navigate. 

I’m talking all about these challenges and how to find your way through them on the blog. Link in bio to read the post.

Have you heard about the link between the gut microbiome and cancer?

If you haven’t, you’re definitely not alone. This field of research is still relatively new, with most of what we know only having been discovered in the last 20 years or so.

But what’s exciting is that emerging research is showing a clear connection between microbiome health and both tumor growth AND treatment outcomes. A healthy microbiome can be an indicator of how well someone responds to immunotherapy.

Interesting stuff!

In this month’s blog post, I’m talking all about what the research shows surrounding the microbiome and cancer, as well as what you can do to maintain a healthy microbiome.

Read the full post at the link in bio!

One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself during cancer treatment is to move your body.

I know that might sound counterintuitive when you’re exhausted or not feeling well. But exercise, even gentle movement, can have incredible benefits for cancer patients.

Such as:
➡️ Reduced fatigue
It seems backward, but moving your body can actually help you feel less tired, not more.

➡️ Strengthened immune system
Regular movement helps support your body’s natural defenses.

➡️ Reduced treatment side effects.
Exercise can help manage the various side effects of cancer treatment.

➡️ Better mental health and less stress.
This is a big one! Stress plays a huge role in how our bodies heal, and exercise is one of the best stress-relievers we have.

➡️ Increased appetite.
If you’re struggling to eat during treatment, movement can help stimulate your appetite.

➡️ Improved sleep quality.
During a time when sleep may be difficult, this is a huge help.

Now, by exercise, I don’t mean you need to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Exercise during cancer treatment looks different for everyone, and it should only be what you’re physically able to do.

Just don’t forget to warm up first, and cool down after!

And most importantly: Always consult with your doctor about what’s appropriate for your specific situation. They can help you determine what types and intensities of exercise are safe for you.

For some, that might be a gentle walk around the block. For others, it could be chair yoga or stretching.

The goal is to move in whatever way feels good and safe for your body.

Using online grocery shopping can make life during cancer treatment so much easier.

It might seem small, but when you’re going through treatment, every bit of energy counts. And grocery shopping (the trip to the store, walking the aisles, loading and unloading) takes more out of you than you might realize.

Reasons to order groceries online ⬇️⬇️⬇️

+ You can save your frequently used items
Most services let you save past orders, so you can quickly reorder the staples you use regularly without having to think through your entire list every week.

+ It protects you if you’re immunocompromised
Avoiding crowded stores during treatment can help reduce your public exposure when your immune system is vulnerable.

+ It’s one less thing on your mental load
Treatment comes with so many appointments, decisions, and things to keep track of. Taking grocery shopping off your plate (even partially) frees up mental space for other things.

You can use services like Instacart, your local grocery store’s pickup or delivery option, or even Amazon Fresh. There are lots of options that could work for various circumstances and budgets.

And let me know if you give it a try!

Here’s something I tell my clients all the time: You are a member of your own care team.

Though sometimes it feels like your role is to just take direction, or sit back and wait for the doctor’s plan. But in reality, you’re an active participant working alongside your doctors, nurses, and providers to find the best solutions for YOU.

It should be a two-way conversation.

You should feel free to:

-Question things you’re not comfortable with
- Ask for clarification when you need it
-Bring up alternative ideas or treatment options
-Request more information about the “why” behind their recommendations

This shift in your perspective and approach can make a world of difference in your care.

I’m sharing more about this, plus practical tips for preparing for appointments and communicating with your providers, on the blog this month.

🔗 Link in bio to read the full post!