Being diagnosed with cancer can seem like a death sentence, but it does not have to be. There are many people who live with cancer who survive and you should use them as inspiration to you and your illness. There are certain things that cancer survivors will tell you that helped them through such a difficult time in their life. This article will give you some of that advice for you to apply to your own situation.
You may feel like getting into bed, pulling up the covers and staying there forever, but if you are living with cancer it is important that you get out and enjoy life. Daily exercise will help to keep your body healthy and keep your immune system up. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain that make you feel good and can also help to keep your spirits up. Getting out in the fresh air will help to remind you that you are alive and to enjoy even the little moments.
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential when you have cancer. There are certain foods that you can add to your diet to help you fight it off. Foods such as broccoli, carrots and spinach contain antioxidants which help to fight and destroy cancer cells. Fruits also contain cancer fighting antioxidants so your fruit consumption should definitely increase if you do not regularly eat enough fruit. Blueberries, oranges and mangos are only a fraction of the fruits that help fight or prevent cancer. Fruits and vegetables do not only help fight cancer, they also taste great and are good for your body.
There is nothing quite like a furry friend to put a smile on your face when you are feeling down. When you have been diagnosed with cancer it is common to become withdrawn and depressed. If you feel like you are becoming too withdrawn you should consider getting a pet. Pets make wonderful friends and can help you through really rough times. A cat or dog will listen without interjecting, allow you to cry without falsely reassuring you that everything will be alright, and make you smile just when you need it most and are expecting it least. However, it is vital that you find someone you can trust ahead of time who will help take care of your pet if you are admitted to the hospital for any length of time.
You may be hesitant to share your diagnosis with your loved ones for fear of their reaction to your news. Do not be upset or offended by their initial reaction for it may take some time for them to process it; cancer diagnosis' can bring on a flurry of different emotions. Suffering in silence and trying to fight cancer all by yourself is not the answer. Loved ones can offer support during hard times, give you rides to treatments, accompany you to doctors appointments, and most of all keep you positive. There is a reassuring feeling that comes with knowing that people you love are with you and support you.
Cancer is a dreaded word that no one wants to hear their doctor say it, but for many cancer is a reality that they face everyday. As stated in the beginning of this article, a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean a death sentence. Hopefully you have learned some great strategies to keep enjoying your life and not let your cancer get the best of you.
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