Breast cancer surgery is a very challenging time in a woman's life. After this surgery, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself. With good nutrition and regular exercise, you can regain your health. So, let's talk about this in detail, very simply.
How to reduce discomfort after surgery?
It is common to feel nauseous and vomit after surgery. This can be especially true if you have had chemotherapy or radiation. You may also experience loss of appetite and a lack of appetite. Sometimes, malnutrition can lead to a condition called "wasting syndrome," in which the body becomes thin and weak.
Imagine how we would deal with these difficulties at a time like this. Here are some simple tips:
- Instead of eating 3 large meals at once, eat several small meals throughout the day. This will be easier on your stomach and reduce nausea .
- Instead of solid foods, try protein shakes, yogurt, and liquid protein drinks. These are nutritious and easy to drink.
- Drink simple soups, such as chicken soup with vegetables. These provide the body with the nutrients and fluids it needs.
Foods that help you heal faster
After surgery, your body needs extra energy and nutrition to heal quickly. Just like bricks are needed to build a broken wall, our bodies need certain nutrients to heal wounds, repair cells, and fight infections .
The importance of protein
After surgery, your body needs more protein than usual. This is to help heal wounds, repair cells, and fight infection. Here are some things you can do to get more protein:
- Add protein powder or powdered milk to meals.
- Add grated cheese to vegetables , potatoes, rice, and salads.
- Eat protein-rich snacks like almonds, peanuts, cashews, and cheese.
- Most importantly: Eat more protein in the early days after surgery, without worrying about calories. This will help you recover faster and regain your strength. If you want to lose weight, you can think about it later.
Cancer-fighting phytochemicals
These are special nutrients found in plants. Studies have found that some ``phytochemicals`` help fight cancer cells and prevent cancer from coming back .
- Soy: Soy contains plant chemicals called ``Phytoestrogens''. These are similar to the hormone estrogen in our bodies. Foods that contain soy include edamame, tofu, soy milk, and miso soup. Some researchers believe that soy may help protect against estrogen-dependent breast cancer. Others do not. Therefore, be sure to ask your doctor if eating one to three servings of soy a day is right for you. It may interfere with hormone therapy.
- Antioxidants: These are found in many foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Things like broccoli, carrots, blueberries, and mangoes are great. Antioxidants protect our body's cells from damage. Nutritionists say that it's better to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fresh foods than to take supplements.
- Lycopene: This is also a type of antioxidant . It is responsible for the red color of tomatoes and the pink color of pink grapes. These may help fight breast cancer.
- Beta-carotene: This is what gives vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, and fruits like apricots their orange color. Some studies suggest that eating a diet rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
A lifelong diet that reduces cancer risk
You can consult a nutritionist for the best diet plan for you. However, these general guidelines will be very important to get you started. To make this simple, let's create a table like this.
| Things to do (eat these) | Things not to do (avoid these) |
|---|---|
| Lean proteins (e.g., boiled or grilled chicken, baked fish) | Fatty meats (e.g. steak, sausage) |
| Eat at least 5 servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits a day. | Processed meats (e.g. bacon, hot dogs, ham, smoked meats) |
| Replace white bread and white rice with whole-grain bread and red/brown rice. | Limit alcohol consumption (no more than one drink per day if you are a woman). |
It's important to talk to your doctor about any changes you make to your diet, especially while recovering from surgery or chemotherapy. Don't deprive your body of the nutrients it needs to recover.
The healing and strength that comes from exercise
A good workout can improve your self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall health. It's important to stay active after breast cancer surgery. Weight gain can make the cancer come back. So, by exercising and losing extra weight, you can help yourself recover and reduce your risk of cancer.
It's normal to feel tired after surgery. If you've had chemotherapy or radiation, that fatigue can be even worse. Surprisingly, exercise can boost your energy . Experts say it's a good idea to start with some form of regular exercise, even if it's just walking.
Think about these things before you start exercising.
- Safety First: In the first few weeks after surgery, you should protect your wound and sensitive areas. Avoid lifting heavy objects (e.g., bags, small children).
- Seek medical advice: Always talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Once he or she gives you the go-ahead, start slowly and cautiously. Consider seeing a physical therapist who is experienced in treating breast cancer patients.
- Be aware of lymphedema: If you have had lymph nodes removed from your armpit, you are at risk of swelling in your arm. We call this ``Lymphedema''. This risk is even higher if you have had radiation therapy. This is because the lymph fluid in your arm does not drain properly. This swelling can occur at any time after surgery or radiation therapy.
- Breast Reconstruction: If you choose this surgery, you may have to undergo several more surgeries in the future, so it may take a little longer to start exercising.
- Start with a brisk walk. Or, use a stationary bike that allows you to sit upright and ride without putting weight on your arms. Also, things like tai chi, qigong, and simple yoga exercises are good.
- Later: As you gradually gain strength, you can move on to more vigorous exercises that put weight on your arms. For example, you can do running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and more intense yoga exercises.
- You are not alone in your recovery from breast cancer surgery. Your family, friends, and especially your medical team are with you.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
- Eat protein-rich foods to help heal wounds and provide energy. Don't worry too much about calories in the beginning.
- Eat a balanced diet with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. Avoid processed meats and alcohol.
- When starting exercise, start very slowly. Start with something simple like brisk walking. Listen to your body. Rest if you feel tired.
- Be aware of the risk of lymphedema (swelling of the arm). Protect your arm. If you notice any swelling, redness, or pain, tell your doctor immediately.
Therefore, you may need to avoid activities like tennis, sprinting, and yoga exercises that put pressure on your arms for a few weeks. It is very important to protect your arms from injury.
What kind of exercise is good?
The best exercise for you is the one you enjoy and do consistently . It should also be safe for the type of surgery you have had.
Unless your doctor says no, aim to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. But remember, do these things very carefully and safely for a few months after surgery.
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