Hints and tips for life changes

Hello the only I did was half my wine intake. Do love a glass each evening, but now just the weekend. I did my arm exercises 4 times a day post surgery for 6 weeks and now twice a day just to release a bit of tension.. i got full movement back very quickly so was able to walk every day. Other than that much the same.. life is hard enough so if I feel I want a bit of chocolate or a biscuit then I have one. I know others have chosen special diets and if that works then wonderful, but my BCN simply said everything in moderation, sensible eating and exercise if you are already fit and healthy.. other than having cancer of course! 

Hi Alwaystired,

I’ve just started my BC journey. I’ve had one chemo so far.

Like you, I’ve cut out red meat and am eating more (a lot more!) fruit and veg. I’m trying to go lower GI, whole meal etc. I’ve stopped working (luckily I’m getting full pay). I’m trying to walk and exercise most days (moderately). I’m going to a Maggies Cancer centre tomorrow. I’m hoping they can advise me on medication/yoga etc. I think I’ll need something structured so I’ll actually do it! 

I’m hoping these things will help but, at the least, it gives me a sense that I’m actually doing something positive.

Bluebell xx

I love your question! I had to really rack my brain re the anything I wish I'd known back then, it wasn't that I knew everything but I wasn't scared or anxious about the diagnosis or forthcoming treatment/surgery...I easily accepted it was not something I could control so just got on with it I guess, plus I don't have kids which makes it easier (for me). We are all definitely stronger than we think we are.

I think my key suggestion, other than health & fitness, is to challenge the medical professionals when you need to do so, I find that too many people accept what they are told at face value when its not what's best for you and your priorities in life....closely followed by cancer treatment isn't always terrible for everyone - I was one of the 'lucky' ones who had very few bad side effects and made sure I had fun during treatment (easier when there wasn't covid around!!) but there's still new people to meet & talk to, all be it at a distance/through a screen now. I set up a whatsupp group with close pals and family and that was a good source of entertainment for all.  Also utilise what support there is (MacMillan helpline, BCN, breastcancernow 'someone like me', look good feel better courses), don't be afraid to ask anything no matter how stupid/trivial you think it may be.

I took the cancer gubbins as an opportunity to overhaul me! I lost lots of weight (6.5 stone and now at ideal weight) by eating well (cooking from scratch where possible and avoiding too much sugar, sat fat etc.- I don't believe in avoiding any type of food just all things in moderation) and getting back to fitness, I was able to exercise throughout treatment though rough week after chemo was an exercise-light week and things needed to be tempered after surgeries. The whole cancer thing was also an opportunity to put things in perspective...especially work, its not that important after all and not worth the stress it can create..and definitely not compared to health & happiness, I've a new attitude towards it now!

I hope your surgery goes well (good margins and recovery & all that) and your subsequent treatments are as kind to you as mine were to me (you can see all the cancer nonsense on my profile) ...good luck!

Sam

Hi Alwaystired,

I’ve just been to the Maggies centre in Glasgow. It was lovely. I’ve booked myself in for a (socially distanced) 1 hour Relaxation class and have been sent a Zoom link to attend a remote Yoga class. There are some nutrition workshops too.

I don’t know what’s available in your area but if there is something similar it would probably be worth giving it a go.

Take care 

Bluebell xx

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I'm just out of hospital so going to start my arm exercises tomorrow

I live in Glasgow so I will definately look into that, thank you for the tip. I definately need to be less stressed out and anxious going forward. Just want to try my very best to get rid and hopefully stay rid of it x

I will find out next Thursday about margins etc so fingers crossed. You are right, I need to take life less seriously and just be daft. I think it's easy to forget that at times. Your advice is spot on, I appreciate the time taken to reply. I'm feeling positive and very greatful x

• Hi Alwaystired,

I’ve just done the 1 hour Zoom Yoga session. It was very good. Obviously you do as much or as little as you like (so I didn’t overdo it!). Very easy to join and it the same link for every weekly (Friday) session.

Bluebell xx

I was diagnosed in November aged 39. The biggest change I made was daily (at least) 13 hour fasting. So i don't eat after 7pm and wait until after 8am to have breakfast.  This has reduced my sugar and alcohol intake because I would often consume these things in the evenings.  I  now have an occasional glass of wine  with dinner rather than  a glass 4 nights a week.  There are studies that show a 13+ hr fast may reduce recurrence of BC. Whether it does or not,  I feel healthier for it.  

I was already reducing my meat and dairy intake before diagnosis but have upped my efforts considerably.  

I'm trying to excercise daily- rotating yoga, walking and time on my cross trainer. 

Hope your surgery went well and you are on your way to recovery. I applied rosehip oil to my wound/ scar twice a day for 3 months and it has healed very well.  

Ladies 

I have also looked at low fat, reduced dairy etc dietary tips to hopefully reduce recurrence risk, I didn’t eat much meat previously but now follow organic plant based diet, reduced sugar and dairy intake, walking daily planning couch to 5k as well as signed up for zoom yoga and Pilates. My BMI is healthy range yet due to work commitments I often lacked exercise, need to make sure these positive exercise plans continue on my return to work and a better work/ life balance is achieved 

Very interested if any tips or advice 

xx