The After Cancer Blog

What is neuropathic pain? Nerves help you to feel and move and these bundles of fibers can be affected by radiation or chemotherapy treatments. During and after cancer treatment, you may have neuropathy which means you feel strange sensations such as numbness, tingling, or pain in various parts of your body. Other symptoms may include balance issues, trouble using your fingers, and sensitivity to heat/cold/pain. This may cause you to have problems with falls, walking, and dressing yourself. For some folks, this resolves once therapy is done or shortly after but for others it may take longer or be a more lifelong side effect. How to deal with neuropathic pain? If you think you have neuropathy, it’s important to bring it to you doctor’s attention so you can try solutions to relieve it. Your doctor may decrease the chemotherapy agent causing the issue or change it to give your nerves time to recover. You may also have labs done to check for other causes such as B12 deficiency or diabetes. There are medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta) that may ease your symptoms. Exercise programs with physical or occupational therapists in addition to acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness meditation and massage can help your neuropathic symptoms. Living with neuropathic pain Living with neuropathic pain is difficult and is not curable but it’s important to do all you can to manage the potential problems. Doing the following may help lessen the impact on your life: Eat an anti-inflammatory, balanced diet Minimize alcohol intake Get fresh air Prevent falls Protect your hands and feet. About Dr. Maria Cayelli Dr. Maria Cayelli  is a breast cancer survivor and a physician specializing in integrative medicine and survivorship care. Her goal is to partner with you on your journey to achieve optimal health and wellness.

This is such a great way to start your day when you want to eat to fight inflammation. This could easily just be a smoothie if you add a bit more plant milk and omit the toppings, but I love all the crunch and extra goodness from all the toppings and prefer to eat it with a spoon. Serves 1 1 cup plant milk 1 frozen banana 1 cup frozen mixed berries of choice 2 handfuls of spinach 1 Tbsp nut butter 1 Tbsp honey 1/2 avocado 1/2 tsp cinnamon nutmeg, just a dash cardamom, just a dash cayenne, just a dash Combine all of the above ingredients in a high-speed mixer and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with your choice of the following: fresh banana fresh berries unsweetened coconut flakes almond slices or other nuts pumpkin seeds sunflower seeds granola flax seeds chia seeds hemp hearts About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

Donna McMillan  is a former Hospice Social Worker, a former Elder Law Attorney, and an ovarian cancer survivor. Check out her website . Cancer survivors and worry As cancer survivors whether we intend to or not, we spend a lot of time worrying.  Is treatment working, will I get a recurrence/is this nagging innocuous symptom the sign of a recurrence, will my insurance cover my treatments/medications, what if I lose my job/health insurance, can I afford cancer, will my family be okay. The list goes on and on and sometimes cycles non-stop.  Since so much of our life after cancer is out of our control, we often spend a lot of time trying to manage the things that are in our control. And what we often forget in the process is to live the life that we fought so hard to keep. Que the importance of play. In our fast-paced lives we don’t prioritize play  Play is for children. Play is not productive. Play is for when we have checked off all those things on our to-do list. Play has no purpose. It’s not getting us to a goal, so we inevitably don’t take the time to schedule play. Because it’s just not as important as all the other things we think we must do. Here’s why we should prioritize it.  Play can improve our overall well-being by reducing stress . And we all know that reducing stress is one of the key components in an anti-cancer lifestyle .  What an easy way to do something that brings a little bit of joy into our lives and that can also improve our health.   So exactly what is play when you are an adult Play can be described as something fun or recreational. But a lot of what we do for recreation as an adult has some pressure associated with it – think of the competitiveness of golf, tennis, or pickleball. What I am talking about here is doing something aimlessly, for the pure joy of doing it, without expectation. Can’t come up with any ideas?  Start by channeling what you loved to do as a child, what made you happy and joyful. Even if it is just for a few moments because those few moments of micro joys can make a huge improvement on your outlook and overall mental state. For me, swinging on a swing is one thing that easily come to mind and brings on those feelings of childlike joy and freedom. Play is different for everyone What one person thinks of as play may be very different from another. Strategic board games might be fun for some and dreaded by others. Likewise, karaoke or a dance party.  Play can include others, or it can be a solo activity like writing or painting with no pressure to share your creation with anyone. You will have to figure out what play means for you.  And because we are adults and because we have the regular pressures of day-to-day life and the added pressure that comes with being a cancer survivor, you might have to search a little deeper and do a trial and error to figure out what play means to you, but trust me, it will be worth it. If you are an introvert like me, grab a bottle of bubbles and blow, by yourself, for just a few minutes. Watch the bubbles glisten in the sun and float in the wind.  Take out those watercolors, get some crayons and paper and draw, paint, whatever your heart desires.  Write for the sake of writing, not for showing anyone else. More of an extrovert?  Schedule a night of board games, or karaoke with your friends. It doesn’t have to cost much. You Tube has a huge selection of karaoke songs to choose from.  And as even this introvert will tell you, a fun night of rolling the dice in Yahtzee can bring on a lot of laughter . Adding some fun back into your life The main thing here is to add some fun and play back into your life.  Something for no other reason than just the joy of doing it.  Creat Laugh.  Dance. Sing.  Wherever you think there might be joy, do it.  We didn’t fight so hard for this life not to enjoy it. Stress reduction aside, connection and meaning can be found in those little micro moments of joy, that, if we wait to schedule for when we have time, we may totally miss out on.  Do it for you. You’ve earned it.

Embracing Life After the Storm: A Survivor's Tale Once upon a time, in the City of Asheville, NC lived Lisa – a courageous woman who had triumphed over the storm of stage IV colon cancer . However, amidst the joy of survival, Lisa found herself grappling with a shadow that lingered in the corners of her mind: survivor's guilt. In the quiet moments of reflection, Lisa acknowledged the presence of this unwelcome companion. She understood that survivor's guilt was not a sign of ingratitude but a complex emotional aftermath of her journey. Determined to heal, she embarked on a quest to let go of this burden and embrace the life she fought so hard to preserve. Lisa began by accepting her feelings with open arms. She realized that survivor's guilt was not a flaw in her character but a natural response to the unpredictable nature of life. With this understanding, a weight was lifted, allowing her to breathe more freely. One day, while sitting in her “she shack”, Lisa decided to practice self-compassion. She spoke kind words to herself, acknowledging the strength within that had carried her through the storm. Self-compassion became a daily ritual, slowly transforming guilt into acceptance.  Lisa found great comfort in using Dr. Kristin Neff’s research to assist on this journey.   As she looked back on her journey, Lisa reflected on the diverse realities of survivorship. She understood that each person's path was unique, shaped by a myriad of factors beyond her control. This realization helped her let go of the comparisons that fueled her guilt. To reinforce her newfound perspective, Lisa integrated positive affirmations into her routine. Each morning, she affirmed her resilience, celebrated her achievements, and embraced the present moment. These affirmations, by Louise Hay, became the foundation upon which she built her self-esteem.   Embracing a spirit of gratitude, Lisa developed a daily practice of acknowledging the positive aspects of her life. This intentional focus on the good helped shift her perspective, allowing her to appreciate the beauty in every moment.   As Lisa continued her quest for healing, she explored various therapeutic outlets. Journaling, art, writing, and music became channels through which she could express the complexity of her emotions. Creative expression became a bridge to understanding and releasing the tangled threads of survivor's guilt.   Supported by a loving network of friends, family, and fellow survivors, Lisa found comfort in setting realistic expectations for her continued recovery. Patience became her ally as she navigated the ups and downs, forgiving herself for any perceived role in the guilt that lingered. In the end, Lisa's story became a testament to the power of letting go. Through self-compassion, gratitude, and the support of others, she transformed survivor's guilt into a stepping stone toward a life filled with purpose, joy, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.   This is my story, and I trust it resonates with yours. We share the common thread of survivor’s guilt. Through sharing my journey, my hope is to assist you in letting go of your own survivor’s guilt. While there will inevitably be stories of loss that may trigger these feelings, with intention, I believe these moments of guilt pangs can become brief.  Tips for letting go of survivor’s guilt Letting go of survivor's guilt can be a challenging but crucial step in the healing process for cancer survivors. Here are some tips to help you release these feelings: Acknowledge and Acceptance: Begin by acknowledging that survivor's guilt exists and accepting it as a natural part of the emotional recovery process. Read about Expectations and Reality . Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion. Understand that it's okay to feel a range of emotions, and you deserve kindness and understanding, just like anyone else. Dr. Kristin Neff - Self Compassion . Reflect on Realities: Reflect on the realities of survivorship. Understand that cancer journeys are unique and influenced by a variety of factors beyond one's control. The Serenity Prayer Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine. Remind yourself of your strength, resilience, and the positive aspects of your journey. Affirmations - Louise Hay Focus on the Present: Practice mindfulness to stay present and avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness techniques can help you appreciate the current moment.  Read about Mindfulness After Cancer. Celebrate Your Achievements: Celebrate your achievements and milestones, no matter how small. Recognize and acknowledge the progress you've made in your recovery. Read about Perspective and Celebration . Share Your Story: Consider sharing your story with others. Sharing your experiences not only helps you process your emotions but also creates awareness and understanding among those around you.   Set Realistic Expectations: Set realistic expectations for yourself. Understand that recovery is a journey, and it's okay to face challenges along the way. Be patient with yourself. Lower the Bar - Gretchen Rubin . Volunteer or Help Others: Channel your survivorship into positive action by helping others. Volunteering or supporting fellow survivors can provide a sense of purpose and contribute to letting go of guilt. Health Benefits of Volunteering . Professional Support: Seek professional support from therapists, navigators, coaches, and counselors experienced in survivorship issues. They can provide guidance and tools to navigate complex emotions. Check our Care Team at The After Cancer . Gratitude Practice: Cultivate a gratitude practice. Regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. This can shift your focus from guilt to appreciation. Read about  The Power of Gratitude. Forgiveness: Consider forgiveness, both for yourself and for any perceived role you played in survivor's guilt. Understand that you deserve to live a fulfilling life without carrying unnecessary guilt. Create a Support System: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or fellow survivors who understand your journey and can encourage you.  Therapeutic Outlets: Explore therapeutic outlets such as journaling, art, or music. Creative expression can help process and release complex emotions.  The Artist's Way Remember, letting go of survivor's guilt is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make along the way. Reach out to Professionals as needed. Positive psychology can be a valuable approach for cancer survivors dealing with survivor's guilt, offering tools and perspectives to promote emotional well-being and post-traumatic growth. About Lisa Caughman Payne Lisa Caughman Payne is a life coach and stage IV colon cancer survivor. With a background in positive psychology, her mission is to walk alongside you on your journey of healing and rediscovery.

This winter bowl is so easy to pull together, (with a little bit of meal prep ahead of time), and is packed with plant protein and nutrients. Seasonal, filling, and nutritious, just the way our plates/bowls should be. Enjoy!  Makes 3-4 grain bowls For the bowls: 2 cups cooked quinoa 2 cups cauliflower florets 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced 1/2 cup raw cashews 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 bunch of kale, stemmed and chopped 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 2 tsp salt, divided 1 tsp black pepper, divided 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp garlic powder 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast For the sauce: 3 roasted red peppers (can be jarred and drained or freshly made) 1/2 cup almonds 1 Tbsp drained capers 1 lemon, juiced 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley 1/2 cup water 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast Instructions: In a bowl mix the cauliflower, sweet potato, cashews and garbanzo beans with half of the oil, half the salt and pepper, and all of the oregano and garlic. Place on a prepared baking sheet and roast at 475 degrees for 25 minutes. Using that same bowl add the kale, the rest of the olive oil, salt and pepper and the first Tbsp of Nutritional yeast. Toss well to combine and place this on a second prepared baking sheet. When there is 10 minutes left on the roasting of the veggies, beans and nuts, place the second sheet in the oven for the remaining time. Add all of the sauce ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Place the quinoa, veggies and kale in a bowl and drizzle with the sauce and enjoy!  About Cheryl Hoover Cheryl Hoover  is a breast cancer survivor and a nutrition coach at The After Cancer. Her mission is to encourage patients to embrace the opportunity they have to nourish their body for their best health and healing.

Cancer prevention is optimal Prevention of cancer is optimal but unfortunately, most of us know someone with cancer or are cancer survivors ourselves. Despite the prevalence of cancer, there are steps you can take to prevent it or decrease your risk for reoccurrence. Talk to your doctor Talk with your doctor about your concerns and take the time to do any cancer screening tests available. You are the expert of yourself so monitor for any unusual symptoms you may be having or lingering aches and pains that are out of the ordinary. There are many ways to achieve optimal health and it helps to have the medical expertise of your doctor in navigating the best path. Partnering with your doctor by discussing your health concerns and goals is the first key step. Communication is important so ask questions, listen carefully, and discuss with your doctor your options. It’s best to have all the information about your choices and then make a decision on how to go forth that aligns with your values, beliefs, and lifestyle. Lifestyle as cancer prevention What you can do to prevent cancer or lower your reoccurrence risk: No tobacco products Eat healthier Movement Maintain healthy weight Minimal or no alcohol intake Avoid toxins, unnecessary radiation (sun exposure), infections Get good quality sleep Get screening labs and x-rays as recommended. Check our weekly blogs about key aspects of a healthy lifestyle focused on cancer prevention. We'll be posting about nutrition, movement, environment, and stress management. About Dr. Maria Cayelli Dr. Maria Cayelli is a breast cancer survivor and a physician specializing in integrative medicine and survivorship care. Her goal is to partner with you on your journey to achieve optimal health and wellness.

My name is JJ Singleton  I'm a colorectal cancer patient from Canton North Carolina. I was diagnosed in 2015 at the age of 27, been on chemo for life since 2016. I'm an  advocate for colorectal cancer and breaking down stigmas and hurdles around screening and talking about colorectal cancer  as well as mental health and the hurdles of living with cancer. It's hard to find words Sometimes it is almost impossible for me to find words that correctly describes or paints the right image of what I’m going through feeling and just my overall place in this thing called life. Today and these last few weeks have definitely been one of those times and as the words escape me to truly encompass where I’m at mentally physically emotionally I feel it’s fitting to say I feel lost in almost every sense of the word. What does it mean to feel lost? What exactly do I mean when I say I feel lost because it can mean so many things and honestly it’s complex feelings and emotions that I’m wrestling with. On one hand I’m not sure what’s next in life, my life revolves around cancer and advocacy but as this year ends I have no clue what’s next or where things are going but realizing I don’t have anything else outside of that has scared me in a sense. So many things I look at in my life add to this lost feeling changes in friendships, changes in life, missed opportunities, regrets of decisions I’ve made, and the awareness about my life and how I’m feeling each day has contributed to this. I’ve not reacted to a lot of things in the best way out of ignorance or fear of change or just being to in my head and all together for me it equals feeling completely lost. This is one side of it but at the same time it don’t truly paint the full picture of what I feel especially in the silence of my life the times where I'm there and no voice except my own thoughts this is where feeling lost takes on a new level for me and I’ve finally realized it has a name. Feeling detached Derealization or where you feel detached from your surroundings. I constantly feel detached from almost everyone and everything from people I’ve known my whole life to even people in the amazing cancer groups I’m in I still feel like I’m watching everything from the other side of a glass wall. This feeling can be small at times to just a dissociation to a single thing or event, person but then it can develop and morph into me feeling like I’m detached from the world and everyone and everything is going on growing have life experiences and more without me as I sit and watch it happen. I just feel so lost when im here. Feeling lost might come as a shock to some and I know I’ll get messages comments and everything about how can you feel lost when you belong so many places and do so much good work etc as well as so many solutions from talking to people in those communities to therapy to religion and more Everyone feels differently Talking about how I feel lost can mean as I’ve stated above something that is specifically unique to me and unique to each and everyone but unfortunately as a society when people read or hear that they automatically think about what that phrase relates to their life and go from there when in reality it is something different and we all deserve recognition and understanding for our own feelings and emotions. Note: JJ gave  us permission to repost this article from his blog .

Chronic pain persists after cancer Jim survived sarcoma. He went through multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy to cure his cancer. He is left with hardware in his arm and pain that just won’t go away, despite there being no evidence of cancer remaining in his body. Mary survived breast cancer. After multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, she is left with chronic pain and tightness in her chest. Her doctors cannot figure out why she continues to experience pain. Doug survived lung cancer against all odds. He has a new set of lungs and no sign of cancer but he continues to have chest pain.  Why does this happen? Why do Jim, Mary, and Doug have pain? Sometimes even after the tissues heal and the cancer is removed, our pain persists. Sometimes pain becomes a learned response in the brain and the brain has a hard time letting go. Their pain is 100% real and the brain is perpetuating it.  How does this happen? Negative experiences are like velcro to the brain… we hold onto it. Positive experiences are like Teflon… they just bounce off. Imagine you had a conversation with your partner in the morning and it went well. You may think a couple of times throughout the day “Gee, I just love them and I’m lucky to have them.” Now imagine you had a controversial conversation that morning. How many times would your brain come back to that difficult conversation throughout the day? Many! Our brains tend to hold onto the negative and that is how chronic pain sets up and lodges itself in our brains. Does this mean I have to hurt forever? No! Just because this pain has become a learned response, doesn’t mean you have to hurt forever. The brain is neuroplastic, meaning it can change, and that the neural circuits can be rewired. A healthcare professional who is trained in neuroplasticity can teach you to change your brain and unlearn your pain.  Is there any easy way to get started? Right now, notice your pain. Just observe what’s going on. Maybe it feels tight, sore, or burning. Just notice any sensations. Now say to yourself, “Ok it’s just a little tightness/soreness/burning. It’s not dangerous.” See if you can take a deep breath, breathe into it, and soften the pain even just a little bit. If you notice even a little lessening, we know these techniques would work for you. It takes repetition to rewire the brain and unlearn your pain.  I am so scared of this pain. How do I handle that? Cancer is scary. It’s ok to be fearful of pain, especially if the pain was the first symptom of your cancer. Unfortunately, that fear causes the pain to grow and increase in your brain. The pain/fear spiral is real and can make things spiral out of control sometimes. The fear feeds the pain and the pain feeds the fear. See if you can let a little bit of fear go. Remind yourself that you are safe. Pain makes our sympathetic nervous systems feel unsafe. Keep going to your checkups regularly to set your mind at ease. If you feel something is not right, get it checked out. If you have done that and are still experiencing pain, it’s okay.  It’s not your fault.    Your pain is real and you didn’t do anything to deserve it. There is help out there. Reach out to a specialist on The After Cancer . We are here to help you.  About Katie Estridge Katie Estridge is a physical therapist, specializing in yoga therapy and pain management. Her mission is to help people achieve their health goals, feel better and cure chronic pain and symptoms.

Lean, Clean, and Green: Increase green foods for cancer prevention and improved health It can feel overwhelming to think about changing your diet and lifestyle! We all get accustomed to our regular routine, so cutting out foods or considering drastic shifts in our diets, can make anyone resistant to change. Why not start with a smaller step that feels more realistic, like incorporating powerhouse “green foods” with anti-cancer properties that you may already enjoy? Specifically, I’m talking about dark leafy greens, cruciferous greens, and green tea . Let’s explore the benefits of these lean, clean, and green foods and why you should consider boosting them in your everyday meals.  Studies show that people who regularly consume dark, leafy green, and cruciferous vegetables have a lower risk of cancer , but most Americans are deficient in both . Increasing these green vegetables in your diet is a great place to start making a shift. Green tea joins the ranks of these cancer-fighting greens with its rich antioxidants and polyphenols. These three types of green foods are not only important for cancer prevention, but they also have benefits in weight loss, hormone health, and reducing inflammation. Pretty cool, right?! Let’s take a closer look. Dark, Leafy Greens Loaded with vitamins and minerals, yet low in calories, leafy greens are the epitome of nutrient-dense foods. Dark, leafy greens contain fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and plenty of other phytonutrients. Carotenoids, which give these greens their deep, dark color, are powerful antioxidants that have been shown in research to boost immunity and help protect DNA from free radicals that can cause cancer. Try a variety of dark, leafy greens such as: Spinach Bonus! These dark, leafy greens are also considered cruciferous vegetables: Kale  Arugula  Swiss chard  Collard greens  Turnip greens  Cabbage  Bok choy  Mustard greens One of the fantastic benefits of dark, leafy greens is that you can add them to almost anything. Try a variety of dark, leafy greens in smoothies, salads, soups, fresh-pressed juices, sautés, wraps, omelets, and stir-fries.  Be sure to check with your doctor if you have kidney stones or if you are on blood thinners. Dark, leafy greens may be a concern in these cases.  Cruciferous Greens Cruciferous vegetables are known for their cancer-fighting compounds, and they can be a delicious addition to your diet. Cruciferous vegetables contain different types of compounds including indoles and isothiocyanates that are activated with chewing, digestion, or cooking. These compounds have been shown in laboratory studies to reduce inflammation, cause cancer cell death (apoptosis), and stop tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). Human studies have had mixed results , but research continues on these superfoods.[4]   Another benefit of cruciferous vegetables are their hormone-balancing effects. They contain diindolylmethane, or DIM for short. DIM helps to regulate estrogen in the body and has been shown to be beneficial in women with PMS, PMDD, perimenopause, and breast cancer. This property of cruciferous vegetables may also benefit those with thyroid or prostate cancers . In addition to the cruciferous greens listed above, try these options: Broccoli Brussels sprouts Kohlrabi While technically, these cruciferous vegetables aren’t green, they have many of the same benefits: Cauliflower Turnips Radishes My favorite way to eat cruciferous vegetables is to roast them. Try roasting some cruciferous vegetables on the weekend and enjoying them throughout the week.  Rosemary Roasted Vegetables Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Cut a variety of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts in large pieces and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet (or two depending on how many you have). Drizzle with avocado oil and add salt, pepper, and rosemary. Use a large spoon to toss them so the oil is evenly distributed.  Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges of the vegetables are browned.  Green Tea There are so many benefits to green tea! Green tea contains the catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG for short. This powerful antioxidant has been researched for its potential benefits in multiple health conditions including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer’s. Sipping a cup of tea is soothing and has a calming effect on the nervous system. It’s a great way to relax and unwind. That’s benefit enough, but it may also help women with one of their biggest complaints – abdominal fat. A 2022 study found that women with high consumption of green tea had a 44% lower chance of abdominal obesity. Green tea comes in a variety of options. Experiment with some of these favorites to find what you like best: Jasmine  Sencha Matcha Gunpowder Dragonwell Enjoy a hot or iced cup of green tea in the morning or afternoon as a refreshing alternative to regular tea or coffee. You can also experiment with green tea-infused recipes such as matcha smoothies.  Embrace the power of green foods! Making small, sustainable changes to your diet can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. By embracing the power of green foods, you not only enhance your nutrition, but you also take a proactive step to improve your health and reduce your risk of cancer. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. So, whether you’re sipping on green tea or savoring a kale salad, each positive choice contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Cheers to a lean, clean, and green journey to better health!  About Merritt Tracy Merritt Tracy is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Her mission is to empower women to live a healthy and happy life, naturally balance their hormones, and prevent cancer or a recurrence of cancer.

Fatigue, a common concern for cancer survivors From a personal experience with cancer-related fatigue , I can remember feeling too tired to even watch television during chemotherapy treatment. It's not uncommon for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to experience profound fatigue that significantly impacts daily life. For me, the journey of recovery included exercise and nutrition, specifically, I started doing triathlons, which would move me as far as possible from that fatigue! In truth, it took a year from the end of chemotherapy and radiation before I felt completely recovered. What is Cancer-related fatigue? Cancer-related fatigue  is a common and distressing symptom experienced by many individuals undergoing cancer treatment or those who have completed treatment. It is different from normal tiredness and is often described as an overwhelming sense of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion not relieved by rest. Several factors contribute to cancer-related fatigue, including: 1. Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments can have a profound impact on the body, leading to fatigue. 2. Anemia: Cancer and its treatments can sometimes decrease red blood cells, causing anemia. This reduction in oxygen-carrying capacity can contribute to fatigue. 3. Inflammation: Cancer can cause inflammation in the body, triggering fatigue as part of the immune response. 4. Sleep Disturbances : Pain, anxiety, and other side effects of cancer and its treatment may disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue. 5. Nutritional Changes: Cancer and its treatments can affect appetite, weight, and nutrient absorption, potentially contributing to fatigue. 6. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and its impact on life can be emotionally and psychologically draining, leading to fatigue. How to manage cancer-related fatigue? Management of cancer-related fatigue involves addressing these contributing factors. This may include adjustments to treatment, managing symptoms like pain and insomnia, improving nutrition , and incorporating physical activity when possible. It's important for individuals experiencing cancer-related fatigue to communicate with their healthcare team to develop a personalized approach to managing this symptom. About Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton, MD is a 21 year breast cancer survivor and the Medical Director of The After Cancer. Her mission is to provide reliable information for someone with a cancer diagnosis, being treated for cancer, recovering from treatment, seeking cancer recurrence risk reduction strategies, or at high risk for cancer.

Kimberly Wyatt is a breast cancer patient, advocate, and mentor. Listen to her interview here on the Joyfully Black Podcast . I am an avid Breast Cancer Advocate and Mentor I pride myself on looking at the glass half full instead of half empty. Having a positive mindset amid your diagnosis and treatment is so hard. You can’t really see the forest through the trees so to speak. I am living proof that you can turn things around in a positive way during and after your diagnosis. Two cancer diagnoses I’ve been diagnosed twice and have had enough chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries to last me a lifetime. Looking at life differently because of my diagnoses. Loving and living life. Keeping only positive uplifting people around . It really does start with you and your circle to turn things around. Having a diagnosis doesn’t mean it's over it means life for you has just started and what are you going to do with it? Cancer changed my life The diagnosis has changed my life for the better. I have multiple businesses. I’ve become more spiritual. I lean on my faith for everything. My outlook on life is clear, and I know where I am going. Giving back is my greatest accomplishment and I couldn’t have done it without my support system and God’s Grace.

What's the impact of stress? As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I've seen firsthand the impact that stress can have on our health. In today's fast-paced world, stress has become almost unavoidable, but its effects on our bodies can be profound, potentially increasing our risk for diseases like cancer. That's why it's crucial to prioritize stress management as part of our overall wellness routine. Stress affects us on a physical, emotional, and psychological level, and chronic stress can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses, including cancer. When we're stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which, when constantly elevated, can promote inflammation and disrupt normal cellular function, creating an environment conducive to cancer development. What can we do to manage it? So, what can we do to manage stress effectively and reduce our risk of cancer? Mindfulness and Meditation: Taking time each day to practice mindfulness and meditation can help quiet the mind, reduce stress hormones, and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing can make a significant difference in how we feel. Regular Exercise:  Engaging in regular physical activity not only helps reduce stress but also boosts our mood and strengthens our immune system. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, whether it's going for a brisk walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym. Healthy Eating Habits : Fueling our bodies with nutritious foods can help support our immune system and combat the effects of stress. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine intake. Quality Sleep: Prioritize getting enough restful sleep each night , as lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and weaken our immune defenses. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Social Support: Cultivating strong connections with friends, family, and community can provide a buffer against stress and offer emotional support during challenging times. Don't hesitate to reach out to loved ones or seek professional help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Improving well-being and reducing risk By incorporating these stress management strategies into our daily lives, we can not only improve our overall well-being but also reduce our risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Remember, caring for your mental and emotional health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Prioritize self-care, and you'll be taking a significant step towards a healthier, happier life. About Gracienne Jean Pierre Gracienne Jean Pierre is a breast cancer survivor and nurse. She decided to specialize in techniques like biofeedback and heartmath to support patients in managing their stress.