Supportive Therapies That Can Really Help During Breast Cancer Treatment
For most women, breast cancer treatment consists of a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstructive procedures. These treatments are effective, but they can also be challenging to endure and navigate. Luckily, there are some supportive therapies you can employ during breast cancer treatment. The goal of these therapies is not necessarily to heal your breast cancer but to help your body and mind better tolerate the treatments that are healing your breast cancer. So what are those therapies?
Chiropractic Care
How could adjusting your back possibly help with your breast cancer? It sounds strange at first but consider the following. Stress (like that you suffer during breast cancer treatment) can cause tension through your back and neck, and that tension can pull your vertebrae out of alignment. These misaligned vertebrae can place pressure on certain nerves, making it hard for you to sleep and relax. You really need good sleep for a successful recovery. By adjusting your spine to alleviate this pressure and tension, a chiropractic adjustment can help you get better rest, which will leave you better able to mentally and physically endure your breast cancer treatment.
Dietary Counseling
Enroll in a dietary counseling program with a registered dietitian. (Don't see someone who advertises themselves as being a "nutritionist." This is an unregulated term; a dietitian has to meet certain credential requirements, so you know their advice is legitimate.) A dietitian can help you in a few ways as you undergo breast cancer treatment. They can help you find nutritious foods that your body will tolerate in spite of the side effects of chemotherapy. They can also recommend foods that contain vitamins and minerals that may speed up your healing and help your body fight off the cancer.
Mental Health Counseling
Being diagnosed with cancer is, in and of itself, a traumatic experience. The trauma is often even more pronounced with breast cancer, as breasts are a part of many people's identities. Speaking to a mental health counselor every few weeks during your treatment can help you come to terms with your diagnosis and better address the emotions you're experiencing at this time. If you feel confident and calm mentally, your body will be better able to dedicate its resources to healing.
Breast cancer treatment is challenging, but with the right supportive therapies, you can take charge and power through. To learn more about breast cancer treatments, reach out to a local medical health professional.