Prehabilitation is an important phase for many cancer patients, focusing on preparing the body and mind for treatment through exercises, nutrition, and psychological support. But what happens after? Once treatment begins, the foundation laid during prehabilitation can make a significant difference in how you recover, both physically and emotionally.
This article explores how to navigate life after prehabilitation and offers practical tips for maintaining the strength, resilience, and well-being you’ve built up.
1. Understanding the Role of Prehabilitation in Recovery
Prehabilitation, often referred to as “prehab,” is a proactive approach designed to optimize your health and fitness before cancer treatment starts. It can reduce the severity of side effects, shorten hospital stays, and improve overall outcomes. As you transition from prehabilitation into treatment, it’s important to recognize that this is just the beginning of your recovery journey.
Many of the exercises and lifestyle changes you learned during prehabilitation will continue to play a role throughout your treatment and beyond. Maintaining a sense of control over your health can help reduce anxiety and improve your quality of life.
2. Continuing Physical Activity
The exercises you learned in prehabilitation weren’t just for the pre-treatment phase. Regular physical activity is crucial during and after cancer treatment for several reasons:
- Improves energy levels: While it may seem counterintuitive, regular movement can combat fatigue and boost your energy.
- Supports recovery: Exercises help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, aiding in faster recovery post-surgery or treatment.
- Promotes mental health: Physical activity can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even alleviate some symptoms of depression.
Your activity level will depend on how you’re feeling. Some days, gentle stretching or walking may be enough. On other days, you might be up for more strenuous activities. Always listen to your body and adjust as needed.
Tip: Set small, achievable goals each week to maintain your physical routine. For example, aim for 20 minutes of walking a day or incorporate a stretching session after waking up.
3. Balanced Nutrition to Support Healing
Nutrition plays a key role during cancer treatment. A well-balanced diet can help your body heal, manage treatment side effects, and maintain a healthy weight. During prehabilitation, you may have learned strategies to optimize your nutrition. Here’s how you can continue that after treatment begins:
- Focus on nutrient-rich foods: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to repair tissues and fight infections.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help with digestion and reduce the risk of dehydration, a common issue during cancer treatment.
- Manage side effects: If you experience nausea, loss of appetite, or changes in taste, work with your healthcare team to find strategies to cope. Small, frequent meals or bland, easy-to-digest foods may help.
Tip: Keep a food journal to track how certain foods make you feel. This can help identify patterns and provide insight into the best choices for your body.
4. Managing Emotional and Mental Health
The mental health challenges of cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Feelings of fear, sadness, anger, and uncertainty are common. Prehabilitation may have provided mental health support, but it’s essential to continue focusing on your emotional well-being as you move through treatment. Here are a few strategies:
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.
- Support systems: Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network. Talking with loved ones or joining a support group for cancer patients can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Professional help: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, consider speaking with a counsellor or psychologist who specializes in working with cancer patients.
Tip: Integrate short mindfulness breaks into your daily routine. Even five minutes of focused breathing or meditation can help calm your mind.
5. Monitoring for Side Effects and Complications
Prehabilitation can make you more resilient, but cancer treatment can still present challenges such as fatigue, pain, or other side effects. It’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and communicate with your healthcare team regularly. Don’t hesitate to report new or worsening symptoms, as early intervention can prevent complications from becoming serious.
Tip: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting their frequency and intensity. This will help you and your medical team better manage your care.
6. Staying Connected with Your Healthcare Team
Regular check-ins with your healthcare team are essential. These visits are an opportunity to discuss how you’re feeling, any side effects you’re experiencing, and how you’re progressing in your recovery. Your doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians are all there to support you during and after treatment, and they can make adjustments to your care plan as needed.
Tip: Write down questions or concerns before each appointment to ensure you cover everything important.
7. Planning for Long-Term Wellness
Recovery from cancer treatment doesn’t end once your treatment is complete. Long-term wellness involves staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and continuing to care for your mental health. Prehabilitation set the stage for a proactive approach to health, and these habits should continue to evolve as you recover.
Consider long-term goals such as:
- Returning to activities you enjoy
- Working with a fitness trainer experienced in cancer recovery
- Exploring hobbies or volunteer work that provide meaning and purpose
Conclusion
The journey after prehabilitation is an ongoing one. By continuing to prioritize your physical, emotional, and nutritional health, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a smooth recovery and improved quality of life. Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to long-term wellness. Remember, you’re not alone—your healthcare team, loved ones, and support networks are all here to help you along the way.
Stay strong, stay hopeful, and continue the positive habits you built during prehabilitation!
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