Vigilance. As breast cancer survivors, it is important to understand that the cancer can reoccur. In order to be prepared for this, be sure to go to your appointments when they are due and follow any recommendations your physician or breast cancer specialist may give you.
Know Your Health History. Knowing your health history is important. This includes the type of breast cancer you had, as well as the treatments you have received. It is important to be aware of this information because of the side effects. Every day you will be faced with decisions you have to make regarding how they will interfere with your health conditions. For example, cancer patients who underwent radiation must protect their skin from the sun. They need to take extra steps to cover their skin or wear sunscreen with the appropriate amount of SPF.
Be Self Aware. It is said that patients who survived breast cancer have a stronger sense of wisdom. The journey that one goes through from battling cancer is a rigorous one. A journey full of questions, uncertainty, and in some cases relying on faith. Some patients believe that battling breast cancer changes them, and they embrace the person they have become.
The survivorship of breast cancer is dependent on the diligence one has to their post-treatment care. The treatments may be over, but your war on cancer has only just begun. Make sure you make healthy lifestyle decisions and follow up with your appointments. Following these simple steps will ease the pressure that patients feel.
