Nutrition
Your nutrition needs change throughout cancer treatment, but a healthy diet enables you to get the nutrients you need to feel energized and strong.
A dedicated oncology dietitian understands how certain cancers impact your ability to eat and how treatment side effects can make eating more difficult or certain foods less appealing. You can work with your dietitian to develop an eating plan that helps you maintain adequate nutrition. Your dietitian can also give you tips for preparing food at home to make healthy eating as easy as possible.
Physical activity
Exercise can help you combat fatigue and low energy levels that may develop as you go through treatment, and many forms of movement are safe before, during and after treatment.
Your cancer care team can help you develop an exercise routine based on your diagnosis and physical needs or capabilities, or they can connect you with a fitness specialist who works with people who have cancer.
Mental and emotional health
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is stressful. You and your loved ones will experience a range of emotions throughout your journey as you go through treatments, deal with side effects and plan for life after your diagnosis.
Learning healthy coping strategies helps you process and manage your emotions. Your care team can connect you with a counselor or mental health professional who can help you address your mental and emotional health.
Self-image and sexuality
Cancer can change how you feel about your physical appearance and may make intimacy uncomfortable or unpleasant. These feelings are completely normal. Talking to your partner and explaining your feelings will help you feel more comfortable and may even strengthen your relationship.
Also, talk to your nurse navigator about treatments that can help with side effects that make sex painful, such as vaginal dryness or erection problems. You may also find it helpful to discuss your feelings with a mental health professional, counselor or your doctor.
Long-term cancer survivorship includes:
- Cancer screenings and additional tests you will need going forward
- Lifestyle changes you should consider, including changes to your diet, physical activity recommendations and resources to support those changes
- Possible long-term treatment side effects, when they may develop and what symptoms you should watch for
- Your mental health needs after treatment
Our cancer support services
Regardless of where you seek care within Baylor Scott & White, you can access a range of support services to help you and your family during treatment.
Your nurse navigator is here to guide you from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. They coordinate all the support services you need, connecting you with providers, caregiver support, support groups, therapists, and social workers, ensuring you have the resources to navigate your journey with confidence.
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