The After Cancer Blog

Donna is a former Hospice Social Worker, a former Elder Law Attorney, and an ovarian cancer survivor. Check out her website: www.survivingtoflourishing.net . This picture is from Donna's garden, one of her newly discovered passions! During treatments, my sole focus was to continue living Cancer, its treatment, and survivorship bring along with it many surprises. It is not unexpected that an initial cancer diagnosis is shocking to most of us. Then along comes treatment which unless you have been through it before or have been intimately associated with someone who has been, also brings along many surprises. For me, once treatment ended and I started on maintenance medications, I was left bewildered and with a feeling of, “Now what?” I had no idea what my life would look like going forward, and more importantly, I was looking at my future feeling like I didn’t know who I was anymore. How could I figure out what I wanted my life to look like if I didn’t even know who I was or what I liked anymore. I spent most of my time in treatment focusing on one thing, doing what I had to do to continue living. In some ways this was quite a treat and blessing, because I was present in every moment, mindful of what was happening right now, and purposefully not thinking of the future. And while mindfulness can be a good thing, by only being present in the moment and by not thinking about the future, I also stopped paying attention to simple things about how I wanted to spend my time or what I liked. See, during treatment it didn’t matter that I didn’t like taking my medicine, or that I wanted to be outside when I had to spend the day in the infusion center. My wants didn’t matter because I needed to do certain things to live. Cancer diagnosis and treatment change you After treatment, I was left with a wide-open vista with which to view my life. As you know, a cancer diagnosis and treatment change you in a fundamental way. You now understand on a much deeper level about the limited time you have. Certain things that you valued before are no longer as important, and other things begin to take center stage. There is a newfound depth to living now as you are acutely aware of the limited time that this thing called life is. You want to make the most of every moment and increase moments of joy. So where do you find these moments of delight when you feel like you don’t know who you are anymore. After feeling completely lost, I started to think about what I valued the most. Keeping up my most important connections, something that I know I let lag in the hustle and bustle of pre-cancer life, was vitally important. That was and is the thing that brings me the most joy. Seeing the people I love, especially since I had not seen many loved ones for quite a while because my surgery and treatment was during COVID, meant more to me than I could ever express. I wasn’t sure I was going to see anyone again, so every face-to-face reconnection was and is profound and deeply moving. I captured a piece of delight. But what else brought me joy? I wasn’t sure, but here is how I started to find out. I had no idea what I liked to do anymore, what hobbies I liked, what, if anything, was on my bucket list. With small baby steps I started by thinking of the things I liked to do as a child. For me, I was an avid reader. This primarily went by the wayside due to the obligations of my pre-cancer professional life. I tried reading again. I was transformed back into a world of imagination, sparking memories of things long forgotten about, and spurred into thinking about old things with a new perspective. I regained another little bit of delight. Then I started thinking about what I always wanted to do if I had time. Well for me, gardening was close to the top of the list. I’m not sure if it’s in my DNA as my ancestors were farmers or if it’s just the joy of caring for or watching something grow, digging in the dirt and feeling connected to the soil and to the earth. Whatever it is, I started gardening, growing both vegetables and flowers. As silly as this sounds, I was truly joyful when I saw a little green sprout pop up out of the dirt. Being outside in the healing sunshine, hearing and watching the birds was a bonus. Another little slice of delight was found. During this trial-and-error period I discovered that there were some things that I used to love that no longer brought me joy. While I still love cooking and a comfy home, I no longer enjoy watching the cooking or home design shows. Some hobbies I loved when I was younger, like needlework, felt more like a chore to me now so I no longer do them. I also quickly realized that I can’t do everything that I’ve always wanted to try. While I am expanding and trying new things, some of which I enjoy, I try and stick with the things where I feel the most joy and delight. Rediscovering yourself and finding delight So here are my takeaways in rediscovering yourself and finding delight in the after cancer . If you feel like you don’t know who you are after cancer, figure out what you value. It will help you determine how you want to spend your time and who you want to spend it with. If you can’t figure out what you like to do anymore, start by looking at what you liked to do as a child and see if rediscovering those things still resonates with you. If you don’t know what to do, try something that you’ve always wanted to do and see what happens. It may bring you delight and joy or it may seem like more of a chore. Either way, you will know. The thing is to set out to intentionally rediscover yourself and you will find your delight after cancer.

How to manage stress at a macro and micro level as a cancer survivor? There are a lot of stressful things occurring in the world. On a global level we see and hear about wars, terrorism, and violence, poverty and hunger, pandemics, climate crisis and natural disasters. It can be very scary and anxiety inducing, which may lead to feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. Additionally, you may be experiencing stress that is related to your health, family, work, school, friends, and at this time- the stress and anxiety that often accompanies the holiday season. It is very easy to be weighed down by everything going on both at the macro and micro level. Therefore, it is important to find ways to slow down and engage in coping skills that can alleviate the stress in your life. The power of gratitude Gratitude is an often overlooked and undervalued skill (and state of mind) that can have powerful and meaningful benefits to your health and well-being. The act of being grateful, searching for the good, and appreciating what you have can decrease stress and anxiety ( Petrocchi & Couyoumdjian, 2016 ). Furthermore, being grateful can boost your overall well-being and increase your sense of happiness in life (Behzadipour et al., 2018) . It even helps to create positive feelings and increase connection in your relationships ( Park et al., 2019 ). Additionally, implementing an attitude of gratitude in your life can be easy and enjoyable. Some ideas to try to implement gratitude in your life • At the end of the day, use a notebook or journal (or notes on your phone) to write down 3 things for which you are grateful. Do this every day for a month and see how you feel. Bonus challenge - try not to repeat any item you have previously written. • Engage in mindfulness and meditation . Both help with slowing down and focusing. Mindfulness engages your current/present state to be more aware. Meditation explores your inner and outer world - connecting with your emotions, senses, and ideas (learn more on Getting Started with Mindfulness ). Both focus on being non-judgmental and encourage curiosity and appreciation of self and one’s environment. • Catch the good. Gottman and Silver’s (2015) research suggests couples should express fondness, admiration, and appreciation for each other. Whether for a romantic partner , parent, child, friend, etc., search for the positive characteristics, traits and behaviors of that person. Bonus challenge - share with them what you see and feel. • Set boundaries for how often and how long you engage in stressful events (e.g. looking at the news), and schedule time to ponder the positive things. It is not about dismissing or denying the hard stuff. Rather, remembering that good things still exist, too. Plus, planning it on the calendar will help with engagement. • Focus on the people, activities, and things that you love, make you happy, feel good, and bring peace into your life. Being grateful can mean engaging with the person or thing that brings positive feelings. If you are struggling to find things you are grateful for, consider other words (e.g. love, happy) that are often connected to gratitude. When life gets busy and chaotic, take a step back and breath In conclusion, when life gets busy and chaotic, take a step back, breathe, and remind yourself of the good things around you. It does not have to be a huge gesture or grand activity in which you engage in order to be grateful. Rather, the small consistent efforts of gratitude will provide the longer lasting and meaningful impact on you and your health as well as those around you. About Dr. Tommy Biscshoff Dr. Tommy Bischoff , Ph.D., LMFT, is an experienced therapist specializing in grief and loss, couples counseling, trauma, depression , anxiety, infertility, and self-esteem. He is a cancer survivor and offers video consultations as a part of The After Cancer's Care Team.

Joe Bullock was diagnosed with stage 3b colorectal cancer in 2018. He's the COO of Man Up to Cancer and a Community Manager at COLONTOWN . Picture: Joe is growing his beard for #Movember to raise awareness for men's health. I hate cancer! I’m waiting to find out if a friend whom I just saw a couple of weeks ago has passed away from this disease. I hate cancer! Another friend is having a couple of spots of concern biopsied soon to see if his cancer has metastasized. I hate cancer! I am constantly being reminded that the people that I love and know personally are just waiting to die from this disease no matter how hard they fight. I hate cancer! Today I just feel sad because there are moments I am tired of being the one left behind. The guilt of my own survivorship bares down on me. I hate cancer! I hate cancer! I hate cancer! Today, I have hope. As my friends and loved ones are dying from cancer. We will still find a cure for this relentless disease. I realize this may not happen in my life time. Today, I have hope. Because I’m inspired by the determination of my friends that are currently in the battle with this disease. The treatments and clinical trials that they may be a part of might help find a cure for cancer in the future. Today, I have hope. As we will continue to advocate for research in the cancer space to find out why so many lives are being taken because of this devastating disease. Our voices will be heard! Today, I have hope. That a patient’s care matters and they will be given the support to battle this disease. If a person needs medical attention, it will be given to them no matter the barriers that may present itself to them. Today, I have hope. I believe that more cancer survivors like myself will continue to serve the community so no one feels alone in the fight with cancer. Today, I have hope. Today, I have hope. I hate cancer everyday! Today, I have hope.

Heather Obleada is a pilates instructor at The After Cancer. She also owns a Pilates studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. My mantra: Movement Heals I am Heather Obleada, owner of Iron Butterfly Pilates , Charlotte NC, and I am thrilled to be on The After Cancer team. My journey of life has had many metamorphoses, including professional dancer, dance teacher, Pilates studio owner, wife, mother, and friend. Each of these roles has always brought me back to the same mantra – Movement Heals. Movement is different at every stage of life Movement is different at every stage of life, and sometimes that is one of the hardest things to wrap our minds around. I am no longer flying across a ballet stage doing grande jetes, but I am moving my body every day. Why? Because movement heals both mentally and physically, feeding our bodies and our souls. We crawl, we walk, we run, both literally and figuratively, throughout every stage of life we are in. Especially when trying new things, we start things slowly, gain confidence, and then take off. In The After Cancer Pilates classes, I will help you start moving, meeting you where you are. We will discover the power of breathing and the effects it will have on your mind and body. We will then take your breath into stretches, seeking places to lengthen and find more space. Finally, we will add strength, strengthening you from the inside out. Breathing, stretching, strengthening, we will crawl, we will walk, we will run. Through these stages you will gain the confidence you need to explore what types of movement works best for you . Maybe you’ll stick with Pilates, or maybe starting this movement will excite you to try strength training, cycling, or yoga . Most importantly, my gift to you is helping find ways to move your body every day, and exploring all of the ways movement heals. “Change happens through movement, and movement heals.” – Joseph Pilates

Cancer is a horrible disease It robs people of their health and sometimes of their loved ones. My dad was a healthy 59-year-old when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. His good health and the fact that he was a non-smoker disguised his illness. He lived for one year, fighting constant nausea, awful side effects from the clinical trial he was on, and overwhelming sadness. We are a close family and it was very hard on all of us. I was his medical advocate , fighting like hell for the best care, the best options, for hope. When he died, we tried to focus on the wonderful, happy life he lived and not our anger towards the cancer that took him away from us. All too often, cancer happens to those really special people in our lives, those people who don’t deserve it, those people we can’t live without. Not that anyone deserves a scary diagnosis of cancer. I have seen all types of people with all types of cancers in my almost 20 years as an integrative physical therapist. Each one waged a battle in their head and their body. “Will I live or survive?” “Will I get past my cancer or will it be what kills me?” “Can I keep doing this?” Cancer brings difficult emotions alongside pain Cancer brings difficult emotions… sadness, grief, despair, frustration, exhaustion, anger, feelings of being overwhelmed, and disbelief to name a few. Sometimes people experience persistent physical pain . Oftentimes underneath the physical pain lies a well of unresolved emotional pain. One of the things I like to teach people with persistent pain is just to sit with their emotions. It makes them not seem as bad when we acknowledge that these emotions are perfectly normal . Being fearful, angry, sad, scared, and frustrated is okay. I let them know that anyone in that situation would feel the same way. Sometimes our brains perpetuate chronic symptoms and pain because of these difficult emotions. The good news is that the brain is neuroplastic. I teach people how to change their brains to change their pain. This coaching, in combination with physical therapy, leads to lasting healing and cures chronic pain or symptoms. What is integrative physical therapy? I am an integrative physical therapist so I look at all aspects of my patient’s lives and figure out how to make them as well as possible. We talk about fitness , nutrition , sleep , meditation, pain, breathing, and general level of contentment while taking into account the client’s medical history. I genuinely want the best for everyone that I have the honor of treating. I want everyone to feel their best and live their best lives. After all, we only have one life to live. I try to honor my Dad, Larry, every single day by living my best life and helping others to do the same. 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.

Taffie Lynn Butters is a board-certified health coach at The After Cancer. She's a breast cancer survivor and is passionate about helping others recovering from cancer with lifestyle interventions. Hi I’m Taffie! I am a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach with a background in working with women who have been affected by breast cancer. I too was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2020. Lifestyle medicine has made a huge difference in how my body heals, how my body feels physically and mentally, and it has given me autonomy over my health outcomes. Maybe you have probably already read all the books and social media blogs and now you are overwhelmed with all the new information, and you want the support of someone who has been in your shoes. Whether you are newly diagnosed or just finishing your treatments, cancer recovery and defending your health can start now! Where to start your cancer recovery. Deep down you know that some things need to change, but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you know that changing your diet, increasing your exercise , reducing your stress , improving your sleep , and avoiding risky substances are powerful in your recovery, but after trying to integrate them into your life - you fall back into old habits. It’s not your fault, you just don’t have the support you need. Maybe you are looking for someone who knows about evidenced based lifestyle interventions and can answer your questions every step of the way. Whether you are preparing for surgery or managing the aftereffects of chemo . You want to equip yourself with real actions and strategies instead of more drugs and doctor visits. I know because I have been there. For me, one of the hardest parts of my breast cancer journey was after treatment. It was almost like a trifecta of being overwhelmed, the fear of recurrence and depression had set in because my care team was done. I was sent off to return to “normal” and told to just watch and wait for symptoms. I started to have questions like what MORE could I be doing, and how was I going to create “health” in my body. My body was different now, and there were so many changes. I wanted to do everything I could to reduce my risk for recurrence, but I needed help. A different relationship with your body. Cancer recovery requires a different relationship with yourself and your body. Coaching is a different relationship than with your traditional healthcare providers. It allows you to engage with an introspective look at your health and habits. You can develop a healing mindset and understanding about what’s important to you, implement actions that align with your goals, and map out a path with lifestyle interventions to get you there. Imagine acting each day to improve your health, instead of waiting and watching for cancer to come back. Imagine creating space and time in your life for your health. When challenges arise, together we will dig deep to get a true understanding of how you can navigate toward your goal. You will have the support and guidance of a coach, as you make each actionable step toward your future health. That’s why I became a Cancer Recovery Coach. I want you to have the faith and confidence that you are doing everything you can to defend your health. I want you to fill in the gaps between your healthcare and putting your plan into action! Ask yourself, “Does it make sense for me to take control of my health?”. If the answer is YES, then we should connect. Schedule your first appointment for a free consultation.

For as long as I can remember, cancer has impacted my life. When I was a kid, my grandmother was fighting breast cancer. I remember playing dress-up in her room – she had a closet full of clothes, shoes, jewelry and purses. My cousins and I always loved playing there. One day my mom came in as one of my cousins was prancing around the room sporting fake boobs and high heels. We were having a blast, but my mom was horrified and angry. The fake boobs were my grandmother’s prosthetic breasts that she needed because of the double mastectomy. My mother’s reaction to our innocent playtime was a projection of her own fear and she instilled that fear in me early on. Those fears weren’t unfounded. When I was in high school, I lost my grandmother to metastatic breast cancer and my great grandmother to ovarian cancer. When I was in college, my aunt was diagnosed with both ovarian and uterine cancer. When I was in my thirties, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and just a few years ago when I was 50, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. From worry to wellness I spent a good bit of my life worrying about my risk of cancer. I could see the train barreling down the tracks and it seemed to have me in its sights. Then one day I heard someone say, “Worry is a waste of energy. If you are consumed by worry, there are two things you can do to overcome it. You can let it go or you can do something about it.” I realized then that I needed to do both of those things. I needed to let go of the fear, and I needed to take action. Shifting my mindset to focus on the things I could control to reduce my risk was a pivotal moment for me. I was able to let go of my feelings of helplessness and instead embrace a sense of empowerment . I started eating healthier and I found that I truly enjoyed eating cleaner, fresher foods. I made a conscious effort to slow down and reduce my stress . I learned about endocrine disrupters and reduced my exposure to environmental toxins . I became fascinated with hormone health and gut health. I did a lot of soul-searching and self-discovery. With every step I took, I felt better physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Sharing it with others I enjoyed the wellness journey so much that I started exploring ways I could share what I had learned with others. I completed my training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to be a Health Coach and went on from there to become a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach . For nearly twelve years, I have been seeing clients who want to find balance in their lives and hormones and prevent and recover from cancer by lowering their stress and improving their diet and lifestyle. I am happy to be in a place where I can help others strengthen their bodies and minds so they too can let go of worry and take action. 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.

Taffie Lynn Butters is a board-certified health coach at The After Cancer. She's a breast cancer survivor and is passionate about helping others recovering from cancer with lifestyle interventions. Picture: Taffie is part of a Dragon Boat Team. I was an active child so why didn't exercise become a core part of my routine? I grew up in the 80’s with Jane Fonda, leg warmers and neon colors. Exercise for me was more about the social connection and the cute outfits! I had a membership to the local gym, and a couple of times a week I would make my way to the group classes for aerobics. My Mom was a fitness instructor for a while at a women’s fitness place, and the memories of her practicing her routines to the sound of the 8-track player in her bedroom are a vivid memory. As a child I was active in sports. I was on a team at the YMCA for everything from basketball to softball. I loved to swim and spent countless hours riding my bike around the neighborhood. So why didn’t exercise become a core part of my everyday routine? We all know exercise is healthy Exercise, in and of itself, is healthy. We all know that, but do you really know why it’s so important? In today’s modern world of jammed packed schedules, family, friends, and life, somehow exercise/movement often gets pushed to the end of the to do list. It’s almost like we feel guilty for taking the time to care and nourish our body. After a cancer diagnosis your world gets turned upside down. Whatever jammed packed schedule you had, or busyness of life seems to melt away as the treatment of cancer takes center stage. As you reach the end of your active treatment phase, or perhaps even during your treatment phase you may start to wonder, “what more can I be doing to help my healing and recovery?” Integrative cancer care Integrative cancer care is a powerful secondary prevention that focuses on modifiable risk factors. Skilled integrative physicians investigate potential root causes of the disease and empower you with participation in your wellness. Not only does this integrative approach help to improve your quality of life, but it can reduce some risk factors. There is mounting evidence that lifestyle choices, environmental exposures that interact with genetics, and other unknown factors play a role in your cancer care. Physical Activity is just one of the lifestyle choices that has a significant impact on your health, healing and reducing your risk of recurrence. The benefits of exercise/movement Let’s take a look at the benefits that studies and research can teach you about exercise/movement. Physical activity improves immunity, reduces insulin resistance, fat, inflammation, and estrogen – all factors that increase your risk of cancer recurrence and overall survival. Exercise is important in limiting toxicities by eliminating them through sweat and can be an important factor in late term effects of treatment. We see decreased fatigue with yoga practices, prevention of lymphedema with weightlifting, and help reducing pain. In breast cancer alone, “A meta-analysis including over 12, 000 patients (ages 30-55) showed that post-diagnosis exercise decreased all-cause mortality by 40% and breast cancer-specific mortality by 34%, especially in ER+ patients who received the most benefit. Further, disease recurrence was decreased by 24%.” (Ibrahim, 2010) That is some pretty strong evidence to get moving! Unfortunately, most of us struggle to make time or find motivation. While mortality is an obvious motivation, changing our lifestyle can be challenging. Understanding your true “why” is important. (ex: I want to have less pain, gain my strength, and reduce my chances of recurrence) Coaching your way into a daily exercise practice Here are some quick coaching strategies to help get you on the road to daily exercise. Identify why exercise is important to you. What would it mean to you to integrate exercise into your routine? What symptoms are you having that may benefit from exercise? What are some positive side effects that exercise may have for you? Start small and set goals that you can easily achieve! Ask yourself, where can I fit exercise/movement into my day? Set a S.M.A.R.T. Goal When you set effective goals, you’ll achieve more. Goals provide focus, enhance productivity, boost self-esteem, and increase commitment. When setting a goal, clearly outline the steps needed to achieve it while minimizing overwhelm. Make your goals S.M.A.R.T. S.pecific – Be as detailed as possible. Include the following: Who will be involved? What do you want to accomplish? When? Where? Why? Ex – I want to go to for a walk at least 3x a week starting December 1st. M.easurable – establish criteria to measure your progress. How will you know when the goal is achieved? Create a checklist of steps and check them off as you achieve them. A.ttainable – Make sure your goal is small enough to be successful, and that your goal aligns with your future vision of health. R.ealistic – How committed are you to this goal? Have you done something similar in the past? If so, what made you successful? Be honest with yourself, and about the time and energy you can commit to this goal. T.imely – give yourself a timeline, and steps you may need to take to reach your goal. Map out a plan – especially if you need to enlist the help of others. Although the American Cancer Society recommends 150 mins of moderate exercise paired with 2 days of strength training, you may need to work up to this recommendation especially if you are in active treatment or just started your cancer recovery. Initial goals may look like walking to the mailbox daily, or doing recommended physical therapy exercises daily. Regardless of where you start, making exercise a daily part of your life has significant benefits. Before starting any exercise/movement routine, consult with your physician. And as always, be flexible, kind, and patient with yourself.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many types of cancer. While chemotherapy is effective in killing cancer cells, it can also cause various side effects. These side effects can be short-term or long-term and can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Living with cancer and the long-term side effects of chemotherapy can be challenging, but there are resources available to help. Cancer survivors can benefit from support groups, counseling, and other resources to help them cope with the physical and emotional effects of cancer treatment. It's important to note that the long-term side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on the type of cancer, the chemotherapy regimen, and other individual factors. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor their health and manage any long-term side effects. In this article, we cover the most common lasting side effects caused by chemotherapy and how to deal with them. Peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is a common long-term side effect of chemotherapy. It is characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. The symptoms can persist for years after treatment has ended, making it challenging for patients to perform daily activities such as walking, writing, and even holding objects. Some patients also experience balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls. Cognitive function issues or “chemo brain” Chemo brain is a term used to describe cognitive problems that can occur after chemotherapy. The symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty processing information. Patients may also experience problems with decision-making, multitasking, and organizing. These symptoms can persist for years after treatment has ended and can significantly impact a patient's daily life. Fatigue Fatigue is another common long-term side effect of chemotherapy. It can be characterized by feelings of tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy. This can make it challenging for patients to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, cooking, and cleaning. Fatigue can persist for months or even years after treatment has ended. Heart and lungs problems Chemotherapy can also cause long-term damage to the heart and lungs. This can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, and other respiratory problems. The risk of heart disease and lung cancer may also increase after chemotherapy, so patients need to monitor their symptoms closely and follow up with their healthcare provider regularly. Kidneys and liver damage Chemotherapy can also damage the kidneys and liver. The symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, and jaundice. Long-term damage to these organs can lead to kidney and liver failure, which can be life-threatening. Endocrine system problems Chemotherapy can damage the endocrine system, which controls hormones in the body. This can lead to problems such as infertility, early menopause, and low testosterone levels. Patients who experience these symptoms should discuss them with their healthcare provider to determine appropriate treatment options. Bone, joint and soft tissues problems Chemotherapy can cause long-term damage to the bones, joints, and soft tissues. This can lead to osteoporosis, joint pain, and muscle weakness. Patients may also experience a higher risk of fractures and falls, making it important to take steps to maintain bone health. Dental problems Chemotherapy can also cause long-term damage to the teeth and gums. Patients may experience dry mouth, mouth sores, and increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It is important for patients to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit a dentist regularly to prevent these problems. Digestion problems Chemotherapy can also lead to long-term digestive problems. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can persist for months or even years after treatment has ended, making it important for patients to discuss them with their healthcare provider and receive appropriate treatment. In conclusion, while chemotherapy is a vital part of cancer treatment, it can also cause long-term side effects that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Patients should be aware of these side effects and work closely with their healthcare provider to manage them. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring can help detect and manage long-term side effects of chemotherapy, allowing patients to live a healthier and happier life after cancer treatment.

Hello, I’m Cheryl Lecroy and I am a whole-foods plant-based enthusiast, growing much of the fresh vegetables and mushrooms I consume right in my backyard. I was diagnosed with cancer at a time when I thought I was finally healthy I fell in love with gardening later in life. Having grown up on a farm under my grandmother's green thumb, one would think that I learned under her tutelage. Alas, I never paid the proper attention to the harvest, the canning, and certainly not to the healthy aspects of a fresh diet. I was overweight for much of my youth and basically half of my life. I spent 10 years transitioning from 280 pounds to an appropriate body mass and size. From a somewhat slow moving me to an athletic me.  It took a little longer for my mind's eye and my language to catch up to my new "image". I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 at a time when I thought I was finally healthy. I had just run a marathon, and I was thin and ‘fit’. After all, I had been following the FDA Food Pyramid to reach my proper body weight. After being diagnosed, I delved into cancer-specific nutrition research and learned that the traditional FDA food pyramid may not have been the best diet option from a cancer prevention standpoint. I quickly became overwhelmed with conflicting information,  and I didn't know whether to become vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore.  Each cancer-specific diet recommendation had the science to back up the claim,  but each sent me in a different direction. Learning what's the right nutrition for cancer survivors Over the last 12 years, I have attended conferences on Nutrition in Medicine with ICNM , The Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine , The National Health Association , The Institute for Integrative Nutrition , Smith Center for Healing and the Arts , Stanford University online , The Cancer Healing Kitchen and The University of Copenhagen online . My cancer journey, an insatiable desire for evidence-based research in nutrition and a lifetime of complex weight control gives me a great passion and real-life experience to help other survivors find their nutritional direction.   I now practice a largely vegan, plant-based diet, getting healthy nutrients from natural, clean ingredients. My organic heirloom garden is filled with rainbow-colored produce packed with super nutrients. The research is compelling and there are many "superfoods" that I eat each day; Asian mushrooms are high on my daily intake list.    This quest led me to wonderful opportunities 10 years with Wind River Wellness Retreats where I have coached and empowered survivors on their health journeys, both with nutrition and general well-being. Terra’s Table Mushrooms where I have grown and produced a 100% natural mushroom powder as a culinary spice since 2015. And for the last 6 years, The Produce RX Farm delivery program with the local free clinic, where doctors prescribe plants and vegetables to their patients. Proving that proper nutrition matters. I know 100% that the food we eat, the sleep we get , the stress we release , and the joy we feel all play an important part of our health and recovery from a cancer diagnosis.  I am thrilled to be a health, nutrition and wellness coach with The After Cancer where I get the privilege to share my journey, knowledge and experience in coaching other cancer survivors through a healthy survivorship. I am 12.5 years cancer free! About Cheryl Lecroy Cheryl Lecroy  is a breast cancer survivor and has been supporting cancer patients for over 10 years. Her mission is to offer tools to reignite inner joy, purpose, and help reconnect survivors to their true essence; the after cancer paradigm.

Hello everyone, I am Cheryl Hoover and I am the pharmacist who wants to keep you out of the pharmacy and help you find your vitamins, minerals and fiber in your kitchen with real foods, herbs and spices. My own cancer journey led me to research what to eat I am passionate about this because of my own cancer journey which led me to research how we should best nourish our bodies for healing and strength. It became clear that we should all be eating more plants, but where would we get our protein? To answer this and so many other questions that I had, I decided to get certified in plant based nutrition. Once I became educated on the healing power of plants, I started cooking for other cancer patients so that they would be well nourished during and after treatment. I did this for years, but then decided to focus my attention on actually teaching patients and their caregivers the importance of nutrient dense cancer fighting foods and so, Pharmacy In Your Kitchen was born. Embracing the healing power of foods The kitchen is a place that is so underrated as a space for healing, but I learned in pharmacy school that the first medicines were actually plants and many of todays manufactured medications are created to mimic what foods, herbs and spices do to help us heal and be healthy. Here in this space I encourage people to embrace the healing power of their very own kitchen. I believe and teach that even small changes in your current eating regimen can have a tremendous influence on your health. Wherever you are starting from, I can help you move further down the path of nourishing your body instead of just feeding it. I like to say that eating is an “opportunity” to nourish you body, an opportunity that we have forgotten we have. If you are reading this blog you or a loved one has had a cancer diagnosis, I am very sorry for that. However, you now have ”found your reason” to make some changes for you and your loved ones best overall health, and finding your reason is a huge motivating factor in making successful changes. Do you need to be a skilled chef or even like to cook to be able to benefit from some changes in your eating regimen? Absolutely not. I can work with you wherever you are regarding skill or interest in the kitchen. However, if you do have an interest in cooking with more plants, I have an Instagram specifically for that called @pharmacy.in.your.kitchen and I’d love to have you follow along and get inspired to embrace the healing power of your kitchen. Encouraging you to eat your vitamins In a very ironic way I feel like I have been preparing to help people like you all of my life. Initially, I wanted to go to culinary school but my father wanted me to instead get a business degree, so I studied restaurant management for a few years. That wasn’t a good fit for me, so I decided to instead lean into my math and science skills and go to pharmacy school. I worked in retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and pharmaceutical sales over the years as a pharmacist and then, after my own cancer diagnosis turned my focus to nutrition for cancer prevention and healing. Now, I am Pharmacy in Your Kitchen, the pharmacist that encourages you to actually eat your vitamins. In addition to being Pharmacy In Your Kitchen, some other interesting things about me are; I am a happily married empty nester, mother of two amazing young women, cancer survivor, electric bass player and singer, and coauthor of Healthy Living for a Sharper Mind . I’d love to help you find the healing power in your kitchen with a private session if you are interested in uncovering this wonderful opportunity we very often overlook. 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.

The holiday season is often associated with joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for those battling cancer, the festivities can bring an added layer of stress and challenges. Navigating through the holiday season while undergoing cancer treatment requires a delicate balance of self-care, communication, and adaptation. In this wellness guide, we'll explore practical strategies to help individuals facing cancer cope with holiday stress and find moments of peace and joy. Prioritize self-care Cancer treatment can take a toll on both the body and mind. Amidst the holiday chaos, it's crucial for individuals battling cancer to prioritize self-care. This includes getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring comfort and relaxation. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or gentle yoga, into your routine to help manage stress and promote overall well-being. Set realistic expectations The pressure to create the perfect holiday experience can be overwhelming, but it's important to set realistic expectations. Understand that your energy levels may be different due to cancer treatment, and it's okay to scale back on traditional holiday preparations. Communicate openly with friends and family about your limitations, and don't hesitate to delegate tasks or ask for help when needed. Adjusting expectations can help alleviate unnecessary stress and allow for a more enjoyable holiday experience. Create meaningful traditions While some traditions may need to be adjusted, consider creating new, meaningful traditions that align with your current circumstances. This could involve simpler celebrations, such as a cozy movie night with loved ones or a quiet dinner at home. Focusing on the quality of the time spent together rather than the grandeur of the celebration can make the holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful. Communicate openly Effective communication is key, especially during challenging times. Be open and honest with your loved ones about how you're feeling and what you need. If attending large gatherings is too overwhelming, express your concerns and suggest alternatives, such as smaller get-togethers or virtual celebrations. By fostering open communication, you can build a support network that understands and respects your unique needs during the holiday season. Embrace flexibility Flexibility is a valuable asset when navigating the holidays while battling cancer. Plans may need to change based on how you're feeling on any given day. Be kind to yourself and allow for adjustments in your schedule. Flexibility doesn't mean abandoning traditions altogether but rather adapting them to better suit your current situation. Embracing a flexible mindset can help reduce stress and allow for a more enjoyable holiday experience. Focus on gratitude Amidst the challenges, finding moments of gratitude can be a powerful tool for coping. Take time each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, whether it's the support of loved ones, moments of joy, or the resilience you've shown throughout your journey. Cultivating a gratitude practice can shift your focus from the difficulties of the present to the positive aspects that bring meaning and purpose to your life. Seek support The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions, and it's okay to seek support when needed. Whether through friends, family, or support groups, connecting with others who understand your experience can provide comfort and encouragement. Don't hesitate to lean on your support network and share your feelings, allowing others to offer support and companionship during this challenging time. Navigating holiday stress while battling cancer requires a holistic approach to wellness. By prioritizing self-care, setting realistic expectations, creating meaningful traditions, communicating openly, embracing flexibility, focusing on gratitude, and seeking support, individuals facing cancer can find moments of joy and connection during the holiday season. Remember, the true spirit of the holidays lies in the love and support of those around you, and by taking steps to care for yourself, you can make the season more manageable and meaningful. 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.