Your wellbeing during treatment is especially important to ensure that you have the best possible treatment outcome.  Keep in mind the following health information and tips to consider during your treatment.

1. Practice good nutrition, exercise regularly, and manage you stress to make sure that your body is in the best possible position for receiving treatment.
   
   
2. Once you begin treatment be sure to adhere fully to your prescribed medical plan.
   
   
3. Consider journaling as a way to track your feelings about treatment on a day-to-day basis and be able to share them at your next visit with your doctor.
   
   
4. Remember that you are not alone.  Look into finding a cancer support group that can help you cope emotionally with your diagnosis and treatment.
   
   
5. Verify your insurance coverage for the tests and treatments you will receive beforehand.

Your emotional well-being is important to staying healthy during and after breast cancer treatment.  Keep in mind the following health information and tips.

1. Don't think that after treatment your life will go completely back to normal.  It is important to re-define what is normal and realistic for you.
   
   
2. If you are planning to go back to work, make sure that you feel ready to return.
   
   
3. Attend a cancer support group.  If a support group is not comfortable for you create a support network of friends, family, co-workers, and loved ones who will be there when you need someone to talk to.
   
   
4. Try not to compare your treatment and outcome with other breast cancer patients because every diagnosis is different.

After treatment has ended, for your physical well-being be sure to:

1. Eat a healthy low-fat diet with at least 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables
   
   
2. Exercise regularly
   
   
3. Maintain communication with your oncologist and/or surgeon. Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled with your physician.
   
   
4. Give yourself regular breast self-examinations, if applicable.
   
   
5. Continue to have regular mammograms, even after a mastectomy.
   
   
6. Watch for any changes in your body between medical visits.
   
   
7. If you are taking tamoxifen, visit your oncologist regularly and report any changes in vaginal or uterine bleeding.
   
   
8. Coordinate visits to your primary care doctor or gynecologist with your oncologist so that they can address your specific needs.
   
   
9. If you have been treated with chemotherapy, make sure to have regular bone density scans.

For more information about the Cancer Center at Southwest you can visit our website at:  www.swmedicalcenter.org/cancercenter or call our cancer services main line 360.514.2174