After news of a cancer diagnosis in March 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales recently A personal update about her treatment, expressing relief that her course of chemotherapy is now complete.
Millions of individuals world wide receive chemotherapy annually – and the number is more likely to increase. Oh 2019 study It is estimated that the variety of patients requiring chemotherapy will increase by 53% from 9.8 million in 2018 to fifteen million in 2040.
So, the way to care for your body during and after treatment?
Along with surgery and radiation, chemotherapy is one of the vital commonly used. Cancer treatments. It goals to stop the expansion of cancer cells, either by killing them or stopping them from dividing.
But chemotherapy Doesn't matter between cancer and healthy cells, so it's related to A type Of Side Effects including fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, infections, memory and concentration problems – and emotional problems, from mood swings to anxiety and depression.
Chemotherapy may be used. Long term effect on the body. May include late effects. Neuropathy (nerve damage) Heart complicationsand Suppressing the immune system – All of those can occur months and even years after treatment.
Management and maintenance
Undergoing chemotherapy is physically exhausting and mentally draining – and a few patients find it affects their quality of life. Severely affected From the unwanted side effects of treatment.
But Research shows Many patients can higher deal with chemotherapy by taking note of nutrition, exercise and their mental health before and through treatment.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience changes. In taste and appetite, so maintaining adequate nutrition during treatment could also be difficult. But oh Healthy food Essential to assist the body reduce the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy. good food May help maintain patients' weight and forestall malnutrition.
Easily digestible foods with neutral flavors, comparable to oatmeal and eggs, could also be higher tolerated during treatment. Rich in nutrients and energy Foods comparable to nut butters, dried fruit, avocados, and nuts and seeds can be Good options. Some chemotherapy drugs may cause this. “Chemo Mouth” — When the treatment affects the taste to such an extent that even water could also be distasteful. In this case, sip Clear broth May help maintain hydration.
Exercise can be extremely helpful. During chemotherapyeven when there are patients. Struggles with fatigue. Light movement comparable to walking, stretching or yoga may help maintain fitness, reduce treatment-related fatigue and boost mood.
Studies have shown. that regular, moderate exercise during cancer treatment can increase patients' energy levels, improve their sleep quality, and reduce feelings of tension and depression. Although it's vital to not overdo it, even a couple of minutes of each day activity may be enough. make a difference.
As the Princess of Wales shared in her update, cancer treatment is a deeply emotional journey in addition to a physical one. Managing anxiety, depression and stress is crucial for overall health.
Oh 2022 study Findings that maintaining a robust emotional support network can reduce treatment-related distress and improve quality of life. Counseling, therapy or support groups can provide a protected place to precise feelings and fears.
Recovery after treatment
After completing chemotherapy, recovery is a gradual process – the body needs time to re-strengthen and repair itself after the results of treatment.
In her video, the princess and her family walk and play in fields and forests, highlighting the importance of being lively and connecting with the outside. Participants in a single 2023 study reported that “nature was his most important tool in dealing with cancer”. More Research has shown that “exposure to, and interaction with, the natural environment” may help improve the health of cancer survivors.
But running outside stands out as the very last thing in your mind after chemotherapy. After treatmentpatients may experience severe fatigue, muscle weakness and decreased stamina. Some physical activity It is necessary To help with recovery, though.
Regular exerciseIncluding cardiovascular and resistance training, helps rebuild muscle strength, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces its risk. Cancer recurrence. Start with light exercises like walking, swimming or stretching. Over time, patients can increase the duration and intensity of their activities as their bodies allow.
This post-treatment period is a time to concentrate on mental and emotional recovery in addition to rebuilding physical strength. As patients adjust to life after treatment, they Can experience feelings Anxiety, uncertainty or fear of cancer reoccurrence. The princess spoke in regards to the emotional difficulties of explaining her illness to her children and coping with uncertainty about her future. Psychological resilience plays a key role in long-term recovery: research suggests. Addressing mental health concerns can do Significantly improved Patient quality of life.
The recovery process after chemotherapy is multifaceted, including physical recovery, managing long-term unwanted side effects, and emotional healing. By exercising, maintaining a healthy weight-reduction plan and specializing in their mental health, patients can rebuild their strength and well-being – and as Kathryn tells others going through cancer treatment, “keep that light shining. two”.