8 Healthy Recipes for Breast Cancer Patients
It is no secret that diet and nutrition play a vital role in cancer prevention and treatment. Eating healthy food helps boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight off infection. Many times during cancer treatment, patients lose their appetite and energy, putting them at risk of malnutrition. It’s important to try and maintain weight, regain energy, and heal.
There are many different dietary approaches that breast cancer patients can take to help improve their health. Some choose to follow a plant-based diet, while others opt for a high-calorie, high-protein diet to gain strength or gain weight.
Whatever approach you choose, it is important to include plenty of healthy and nutritious foods in your diet. We also recommend seeking guidance from a nutritionist for recommendations based on your specific case and cancer treatment. Here are 8 healthy recipes that are both nutritious and delicious and can help with a well-balanced diet:
1. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This colorful salad is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Quinoa is a good source of protein and fiber, while roasted vegetables provide a host of vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 roasted red pepper
- 1 roasted yellow pepper
- 1/2 roasted eggplant
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer.
- In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, roasted peppers, eggplant, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
2. Lentil and Quinoa Stew
This hearty stew is perfect for cold days or if you’re in need of some comfort food. Lentils are a good source of protein and fiber, while quinoa is a complete protein source containing all nine essential amino acids.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup green lentils
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine lentils, quinoa, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils and quinoa are cooked through.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cilantro and serve warm.
3. Black Bean Burrito Bowls
If you’re looking to add a little variety to your healthy diet, this meal is for you. This vegan dish is packed with fiber and protein. Black beans are an excellent source of both, while brown rice provides complex carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice, black beans, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in individual bowls and enjoy!
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy soup is packed with vitamins and minerals that are just what your body needs. Butternut squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene, while carrots and sweet potatoes provide additional vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large roasting pan, combine butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato, onion, and garlic.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- In a blender, puree roasted vegetables with vegetable broth, milk and salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
5. Curried Chickpea Stew
A twist on a classic stew, this one adds a little extra flavor while also providing the nutrition you need. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, while veggies provide a host of vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper and stir well.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until spices are fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until chickpeas are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
6. Quinoa Veggie Bowls
These hearty bowls are perfect for a quick and easy meal. Quinoa is a complete protein source, while veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup chopped cauliflower
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, parsley, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in individual bowls and enjoy!
7. Lentil Quinoa Salad
This hearty salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Lentils are a good source of protein and fiber, while quinoa provides essential vitamins and minerals. The veggies add a host of antioxidants and phytochemicals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cooked lentils, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in individual bowls or on a bed of greens. Enjoy!
8. Kale and White Bean Soup
This nutrient-rich soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, while white beans provide protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper and stir well.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until spices are fragrant.
- Add vegetable broth and white beans. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add kale and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
9. Extra Recipe: Black Bean Brownies
Brownies don’t always have to be just full of sugar! One of our favorite healthy recipes is for these fudgy brownies; it’s a delicious way to get your protein and fiber. Black beans provide essential nutrients, while chocolate adds antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a food processor, combine black beans, cocoa powder, sugar, honey, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until brownies are set. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Talk to your nutritionist or doctor to see how these healthy recipes can benefit you. Regardless of if you’re undergoing treatment for breast cancer or in recovery, a healthy diet is essential for good health. Hopefully, meal planning became easier after seeing these delicious and healthy meals. Quinoa is a complete protein source, while veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals. Lentils and beans are good sources of protein and fiber, and quinoa and kale provide essential vitamins and minerals. For more recipes for cancer patients check out this page where you can filter through more healthy recipes by diet type and symptom. Try them and enjoy!
How Pet Therapy Helps Cancer Patients
If you know someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer, you probably know how difficult the experience can be for both the patient and his or her loved ones. The feelings that accompany the patient throughout the cancer journey can be draining and harsh on mental health. Depression, helplessness, and stress are tough to experience, especially while undergoing cancer treatments.
One of the most effective therapies that benefit the overall well-being of a person with cancer is animal-assisted therapy or pet therapy. This unique therapy uses the natural intimacy between humans and animals to provide relief for cancer patients, resulting in many positive effects such as an improved quality of life, increased socialization, a distraction from illness or pain, and improved mood. You’ve probably heard of therapy dogs or canine therapy, so how exactly does this type of therapy work?
Pet Therapy Helps Decrease Stress and Improve Overall Mood
From initial diagnosis through treatment and even post-treatment, cancer patients often experience many negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, and depression. While not always an obvious choice, emotional support animals can often help reduce these negative feelings. Animal-assisted therapy provides companionship and comfort that helps to decrease stress and these other negative feelings. As a result, both the psychological and physical well-being of the patient improves. Cancer patients feel more confident and better equipped to cope with their illness, which can make the healing process easier.
Pet therapy for cancer patients doesn't stop at stress relief, it also helps improve overall mood. Therapy animals have been proven to boost serotonin levels which are associated with feelings of happiness and encourage positive thinking throughout the day. Providing your loved one with an opportunity to pet a therapy animal can help them feel happier during these trying times. All of these benefits aim to improve the overall well-being of people with cancer and decrease the discomfort associated with the treatment process.
Pet Therapy Helps Reduce Pain
It’s no question that the side effects of cancer treatment are often unbearable and even unmanageable at times. In addition to the treatment itself, cancer patients often suffer from chronic pain, and animal-assisted therapy has been proven to help reduce this pain.
Studies have shown that spending time with a pet can decrease the amount of pain felt by cancer patients as the simple act of petting an animal causes the body to release oxytocin, a chemical that causes feelings of calmness and relaxation. These feelings are often similar to those experienced during meditation.
Animal Companionship Helps Improve Sleep
The presence of a pet can influence the amount and quality of sleep cancer patients experience. A study conducted by Best et al. found that people with pets experience more hours of sound, restful sleep than those who did not have pets.
The presence of an animal during sleep increases the levels of serotonin in the body which facilitates sleep, especially that deep sleep we all crave. When sleeping next to a therapy dog or other service animal, patients have an increased sleep duration and sleep quality. The improved sleep quality can boost a cancer patient’s energy, enabling them to better combat fatigue throughout the day.
Pet Therapy Helps Improve Socialization
Having a companion animal around can also encourage socialization in patients who are affected by cancer. Spending time with therapy animals has been associated with feelings of happiness, which in turn benefits patients who are dealing with loneliness and depression due to their illness.
Studies have shown that having someone or something to lean on can help cancer patients feel better equipped to face life's challenges. Spending time with an animal has been proven to reduce feelings of hostility and sadness while increasing feelings of enjoyment that encourage positive thinking and a more confident outlook.
Animal-assisted therapy can also help cancer patients make new meaningful relationships with people and other animals because it allows them to interact and communicate.
Conclusion
Research shows great promise for the use of pet therapy to improve the lives of cancer patients. Cancer patients often feel isolated and lonely as a result of their diagnosis and treatments. Therapy animals can help break this feeling of isolation and provide emotional support as well as increased wellbeing and improved quality of life.
Between the treatments, medications, appointments, and the side effects, there’s so much involved with cancer treatment, and the costs of all of this should be the last concern. At Pawsitively for Pink, we aim to help alleviate the financial burden of patients with breast cancer; help us make a difference for underserved women with breast cancer.
Psychology of Smiling
Have you ever spent time thinking about one of the simplest emotional expressions? A smile is the universal sign of happiness, greeting, pleasure, recognition, and other positive emotions. An authentic smile is a natural human response to happiness or pleasure and is a great method of communication. It conveys a message of happiness, joy, and friendliness to others. This simple human behavior can have incredible benefits.
In this article, you'll be reading about the benefits of smiling on your mental and physical health, and both your social and work life.
Smiling Can Improve Your Mental Health
Smiling can help relieve many mild psychological problems. This small facial expression relaxes and relieves negative emotions such as tension, reduces stress, and improves general well-being. Recent studies have found that depressed people smile less often than their healthy counterparts as this simple action releases dopamine, serotonin, and other chemicals in the brain which help people feel happy. Hence, using those facial muscles to smile, has the power to relieve depression and stress - naturally.
Also, smiling helps increase self-esteem, affirm self-image, and improve personal relationships. One smile causes the brain to release endorphins, which is a natural drug that acts as an antidepressant. Furthermore, serotonin is released when smiling which is a neurotransmitter that helps to boost moods and improve the mental state. It can help decrease stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine which boost the morale of patients and enhance disease resistance.
Smiling Can Improve Your Physical Health
Smiling can help improve your physical health by positively affecting various body functions. It opens up the lungs by 7% and increases heart rate, oxygen flow, and blood pressure which is helpful in increasing physical activity levels. At Stanford University, researchers found that people who smiled often felt better than those who didn't smile as much. People who managed a smile on their face three times a day for a couple of minutes were found to be less tense and in a more relaxed mood.
A genuine smile automatically produces positive emotions, which in turn work to improve the functioning of multiple organs. In fact, smiling can help prevent heart attacks. An experiment conducted on 6,000 men showed that after 5 years 45% of participants who did not smile frequently had died, but only 19% of the participants who smiled frequently had died. Being happy is good for your health, smiling helps to boost the immune system and lower blood pressure
Smiling Improves Your Social and Work-Life
A warm smile can brighten up your face and make people like you instantly because smiling is a way of communicating friendliness and openness to others. A person who smiles is seen as warm, welcoming, and non-threatening by most other people. The majority of people tend to return a smile when they see one - which leads to more positive experiences for both parties involved as they feel happier. They do say that smiles are contagious!
Smiling has also been shown to improve productivity in the workplace. Studies show that smiling at staff members or colleagues helps increase their efficiency and satisfaction levels. Researchers have found that when managers smile more often in the workplace, their employees are more likely to be productive in their tasks because of this positive sentiment. You can also win deals or attract new customers if you're smiling as it shows that you're relaxed, confident, and connect with people easily.
Conclusion
A smile is the simplest way of communicating friendship, happiness, and pleasure to other people. Having a happy face has powerful psychological benefits that improve moods, relieve stress, and prevent heart attacks. A smile helps beat depression, improves your mental as well as physical health and makes meeting new people & networking easier. Smiling is a natural human response that automatically produces positive emotions which in turn work to improve the functioning of multiple organs.
If you want to bring a smile to others and yourself, let it be by helping breast cancer patients and survivors. You can do this by becoming involved with us here at Pawsitively 4 Pink by volunteering or even making a small donation.
How to Be There for a Loved One With Breast Cancer
Introduction
When someone you know is diagnosed, the first question is usually how to be there for a loved one with breast cancer. It can be hard to believe that this has happened since it’s not something that most people expect or plan to happen.
Breast cancer comes without warning, and it varies widely in how it impacts each individual diagnosed. However, if you think your reaction is sudden and shocking to hear that a loved one has been diagnosed, think about how they are feeling.
This article will encourage you to shift your perspective and motives to educate yourself on being there for a loved one with breast cancer. Although the diagnosis will affect you, it’s important to think about your loved one’s needs and how you can be your best for them.
The Power of Listening
One of the best things you can do for a loved one is to be there for them and approach every conversation with open ears. Just being there and listening can make all the difference.
Many people feel isolated and scared after their diagnosis. They may feel confused and afraid to express what they are truly feeling and going through. By going into every conversation with open ears, you are fostering an environment that is safe for them to express themselves and put their trust in you.
Even if you don’t completely understand what they are trying to express or explain, it’s important to listen and validate their experiences. For example, if your loved one is saying that she doesn’t know how her spouse or children will handle this news, let her know you see where she is coming from and validate her experience. It is scary, and try to assure her she and her doctors will do everything they can to fight this thing.
A general rule of thumb is to listen first, talk second. This leads us to our next point…
Only Give Advice When Asked
Along with entering each conversation with open ears, try to have an open mind, heart, and perspective as well. Don’t be so quick to give advice unless asked. Though your intentions may be good, it’s important to understand that not everyone wants or needs advice.
Your loved one may be in the early stages of their diagnosis and not have any idea what to do next. In this case, they will likely want and need your help figuring out their options. However, if they are farther along in their cancer journey, they may not want or need any advice, just love, and support.
The keywords here are “when asked.” It’s okay to share your perspective and experiences as they relate to the diagnosis, but wait for your loved one to ask for help—or at least express that they want it. This will help to avoid any tension or feelings of being overwhelmed on their part.
Of course, you want to support your loved one in any way you can. Do your research… but don’t overdo it. Instead, do something tangible like dropping off a meal or picking up their child for school. This is where you will really be needed.
Support Your Loved One’s Treatment Decisions
One of the most important things you can do as a supporter is to support your loved one’s treatment decisions. This includes everything from surgery to different therapies.
It can be difficult to make these decisions, and it’s perfectly understandable for you to have mixed feelings about them. However, it’s important that you do not voice unsolicited opinions unless you are asked for your opinion or advice.
You have to remember your loved one is going through the recovery process more than once. The treatment itself is one version of pain they have to go through, but they also have to go through it before the treatment itself, as well as after when they are waiting in remission.
Every time they have to weigh all their options, go over the timetable of the procedure or talk to their doctors, they are going through the process all over again.
So, try to support them throughout it all. Their lives have been turned upside down, and the last thing they need is judgment from the people they love. Understand that you would maybe not make the same decisions as your loved one, but that does not mean they have not chosen the best option for them.
Check-In Regularly, Not Just When Asked for
One of the most important responsibilities you have is to check in with your loved one. On a regular basis. This can be done via phone calls, text messages, cards, visits—anything that helps them know they are on your mind.
Doing this will let them know they are not alone during their recovery process. Many patients feel that their loved ones don’t check in beyond the initial diagnosis. This leaves them feeling alone and isolated. The hardest time for those with a cancer diagnosis is actually in the months following when the initial shock has worn off, and their loved ones get back to their daily lives.
So, make sure you are checking in regularly to offer comfort and support. Moreover, your loved one may need this more often if their treatment is causing significant side effects or making them feel ill for an extended period of time.
Doing a service or an act of love at least once a week can provide quick reassurance that things are okay and they are not forgotten. So reach out to them. As much as you can.
Educate Yourself
Lastly, but equally important, educate yourself on your loved one’s treatment. If you are like most people, cancer didn’t cross your mind much before your loved one was diagnosed.
So, take the time to learn about their type of cancer, the various treatments, what to expect during and after treatment, and so on. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to support your loved one emotionally and practically.
This includes being there for them when they have appointments, being able to answer any questions they may have, and just being a listening ear.
If you can be there and sit in on doctor’s visits and take notes for your loved one, this would be a fantastic way to offer support. Not only will you be helping them, but you will gain a better understanding for yourself as well.
Conclusion
There is no best way to support a loved one with cancer. However, there are many things you can do (or not do) that will help your loved one feel less alone and more supported throughout their journey.
When offering to be there for them, it’s important to remember they may need different types of support at various times. So, be sure to communicate with them and ask what they need from you specifically.
Most importantly, be there for them in whatever way possible and let them know you love them. Even if it gets difficult at times, just know your support goes a long way. If you or a loved one need another person in your support group, any aid in the breast cancer journey, or you would like to give something to help those with breast cancer, feel free to head over to Pawsitively 4 Pink. We have been able to help many women through their breast cancer journey through generous donations from our community. We are here for your loved one too.
Holistic Therapies That Can Provide Side Effect Relief for Breast Cancer Treatments
Most side effects of breast cancer treatments are known to be harsh, unpleasant, taxing, and scary. Because of this, some people have wondered if there are other options to treat cancer that would take less of a toll on their body, mind, and emotions.
Although there are many holistic therapies out there, they are not proven to be effective treatments against breast cancer by themselves. However, for some people, these holistic therapies have shown to be effective in providing relief for the side effects of conventional breast cancer treatment.
If you or a loved one are considering using any other remedies that your doctor has not spoken to you about, we recommend doing so first. In addition, it is important to note that although these holistic remedies have been shown to help some, holistic remedies can be harmful to some people in certain circumstances.
Most doctors recommend you seek out standard medical treatment first, these natural treatment options should be included in a well-thought-out plan. Complementary therapies are extremely important but work best when coupled with traditional treatment plans as well. However, we never intend to provide medical advice, so please speak with your doctor about what is best for you!
Not only are we here to help you in your consideration of holistic therapies, but we are also here to provide you with assistance in obtaining the proper care using holistic therapies – more on that in a bit. For now, let’s get into some of the holistic therapies that can improve some of the side effects of breast cancer treatment.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is centered around the use of fragrant oils. This remedy is great because you can alter the process according to your own likes and dislikes. You can also choose whether you want the therapy to be performed by a practitioner or to use it on your own.
If you want to go the practitioner route, you can get a massage. Those with breast cancer choose to inhale the scents through your nose and have the oils rubbed on your body throughout the massage.
If you want to have more control over the aromatherapy, you can choose how you want to use it. You can add the oils to a bath or simply inhale the scents through your nose in your own space. In addition, you can add in another therapy, such as performing meditation while inhaling the oils.
Aromatherapy can help provide relief in many ways, such as relieving nausea, stress, and pain. It can also help you work through anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.
This therapy is a safe practice, but it’s best to find which oils and scents work best for you. It is important to note that some oils can cause allergic reactions if applied to your skin, so it is best to perform a skin test with any new oils.
Because some breast cancers are estrogen sensitive, one should be extra cautious when applying lavender oil and tea tree oil to your body and avoid using large amounts. Before moving forward with this remedy, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor first. This is not a cancer treatment, but a remedy.
Music Therapy
You may think you need to be musically inclined to this therapy, but that is not the case. The goal of music therapy is to give yourself a space to relax and let your mind wander somewhere else other than the many stressors in life, especially breast cancer.
Music therapy consists of playing instruments, listening to music, and songwriting. This is another remedy you can choose to perform with an instructor or by yourself, or even in a group.
With an instructor, you will work with a certified music instructor, which medical centers usually have on staff. They will guide you through activities tailored to your goals and the needs of each session.
By yourself, you can just let yourself unwind and use music however it will best help you. Within a group setting, you might discuss what the lyrics in songs mean to you or create a song together.
This therapy can help increase one’s mood, reduce anxiety, relieve pain, control nausea and vomiting, and allow someone to express themselves differently from putting their feelings into words.
There are no real risks associated with music therapy. However, we recommend finding a certified music therapist who is experienced working with people with breast cancer.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been proven to give significant benefits to women with breast cancer. It can reduce anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, and breast cancer-related fatigue. according to a number of peer-reviewed studies, one of them being conducted at the University of Minnesota in 2003.
In the study, patients showed increased levels of dopamine. This chemical in the brain helps produce a feeling of happiness. Additionally, there was even found to be an increase in white blood cells in the cancer patients who received massages versus those who didn’t. White blood cells are the body’s natural defense against threats.
There is even a massage therapy that only requires a light touch. This type of therapy is perfect for women who are looking for alternative medicine to reduce pain but are still sensitive to cancer pain. This natural treatment also allows for a sort of spiritual healing as well.
If someone has just finished surgery after breast cancer, doctors will recommend only massaging the front of the body until after a full recovery. However, doctors still recommend this treatment to relieve pain. Deep massage should never be used on someone going through radiation or chemotherapy treatments.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Another example of a remedy for cancer pain is progressive muscle relaxation. This treatment involved the gradual releasing and tensing of focused areas of the body. Quality of life will dramatically improve and patients can expect to reduce cancer pain.
There is no specialized licensing or certification to these alternative treatments. However, many health care professionals have had progressive muscle relaxation training. Its health benefits are tremendous, and it is recommended for both breast cancer survivors and to treat breast cancer.
Tai Chi
Although tai chi is an exercise, it consists of slow and graceful movements with an emphasis on deep breaths and meditation.
This therapy is best done with an instructor but with today’s technology, you can easily find videos online from various instructors. You can find a group to perform this with in person, or you can perform it in the comfort of your own space with a pre-recorded video. In addition, there are also books that guide you.
There are no prerequisites to the shape or health you have to be in to perform tai chi, as all the movements can be tailored to your abilities.
Because of the slow movements, you’re given plenty of space and time to concentrate on meditating. This practice can help increase your strength, balance, flexibility, heart and lung functions, overall mood, and relieve stress.
Tai chi is relatively safe, as long as you listen to your body and mind. If something is painful or most of your body feels weak one day, it might be best to sit out and not perform tai chi until you feel capable.
As always, we recommend consulting your doctor before beginning tai chi. You should especially discuss this with your doctor if you have any joint problems, if you had recent surgery, or if you haven’t exercised in a while.
Journaling
Journaling is a great therapy practice because you have complete control, and it can also help you express your feelings during this tough time instead of keeping them in.
To journal, all you have to do is write down whatever you want. Usually, people write down accounts of their life, experiences, thoughts, and feelings. But there are so many other options, such as writing down positive affirmations each day, writing five positive interactions you have had recently, or writing about your future dreams.
Journaling is a great thing to do, either right when you wake up or before you go to bed. You are able to put your mind towards a specific focus to start or end your day, or both! Getting in tune with your feelings and journaling can provide you with a greater sense of emotional well-being and overall just feel better.
Journaling causes no harm and is worth a try. However, if journaling starts to feel like a chore to you, you might want to consider trying a different therapy. In addition, if you find yourself only journaling about negative thoughts, you may want to find something else that will be able to reduce your stress instead.
Conclusion
Every single person’s life and experiences are completely different. So there will never be the same right answer for everyone. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an unimaginable thing for anyone, however, with treatment, it can be overcome. Whether someone with breast cancer chooses conventional treatment or alternative therapies, there are ways to overcome it.
Finding a holistic therapy that works for you while you’re going through breast cancer treatment can provide the relief you never thought you could receive. A lot of medical centers provide opportunities for their patients to take part in remedies such as the ones listed above.
If you are interested in trying one of these therapies but don’t have the means or access to them, please feel free to reach out to us. We are dedicated to helping those battling breast cancer pay for treatments and remedies of all kinds.
The only thing Pawsitively4Pink cares about is if it will provide some sort of relief to you. We hope you enjoyed learning about some holistic therapies that can give side effect relief for breast cancer.
As stated before, always consult with your doctor before making any changes in your treatment. If you are looking for support to fund your holistic treatments or any kind of treatment, please reach out to us. We would love to see if we can help.