We know that many people afflicted with cancer have to deal with a range of symptoms. According to research, "pain, depression, and fatigue" are common cancer symptoms. Note that, if you are a cancer patient, there are ways to manage these symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Exercise on a Regular Basis
By exercising, you can ease your physical pain. Exercise can lessen pain because it builds core and back muscles, improves circulation, and stimulates the release of endorphins (i.e., feel-good hormones).
Some of the best exercises for pain management are as follows:
Get Full-Body Massages
Full-body massages can also reduce your physical pain. A massage therapist should possess a working knowledge of the human body and know how to relax muscle tissue and decrease nerve compression. Many who get messages regularly feel less tension, discomfort, inflammation, and swelling throughout their body.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
You can combat fatigue by eating nutritious foods. Meals that consist of healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber and that are rich in iron, zinc, and magnesium can help you feel more energized. In addition, foods that are very hydrating, like watermelon, can also help you feel more energized.
Here is a list of food items that will help you fight fatigue:
Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep
You can also beat fatigue by getting enough sleep each night. Young and middle-aged adults require approximately 6-10 hours of sleep per night, and older adults (65+) require about 7-8 hours of sleep per night. In addition to tackling fatigue, sleep replenishes cells, strengthens the immune system, and improves memory and alertness.
Engage in Meditation
Meditation has helped many cancer patients cope with depression. Note that it does not eliminate negative feelings, rather it assists in regulating them. Meditating often involves acknowledging that negative emotions are not a part of a person's identity. Those who engage in it can respond in healthy ways to feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Seek a Counselor or Therapist
Another way you can tackle depression is by seeking the assistance of a counselor or therapist. Counselors and therapists are trained to help individuals dissect their negative feelings and gain greater insight into why those feelings emerged in the first place. They can also provide you with advice on how to process specific emotions.
Consult Your Doctor
It is vital that you speak with your doctor about how to manage your cancer symptoms. He or she may prescribe medication or recommend that you visit a specialist, especially if your symptoms get progressively worse. Your doctor may also make adjustments to your cancer treatment regimen so that your symptoms are more manageable.