Author: Molly Lindquist
Medically reviewed by Josh Carter, RN on September 9, 2024.
What is Overall Wellbeing?
Overall wellbeing after cancer treatment includes the wellbeing of mental health and day-to-day life. Mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health after breast cancer treatment. It's about finding ways to be happy and content as life continues beyond cancer. Some call this finding your “new normal.”
Why Overall Wellbeing Matters after breast cancer
After getting through breast cancer treatments, it's important to take care of your whole self - not just your body. Let's explore ways to boost your overall wellbeing and help you feel your best.
Taking Care of Your Mind after breast cancer
Managing Stress
Life after breast cancer can be stressful. You might be fearful about your cancer coming back, or worried about how your life will look going forward. Here are a few tips to feel calmer:
- Take deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed
- Try meditation or yoga
- Spend time in nature
- Talk to someone you trust about your feelings
Dealing with Worry
It's normal to worry about cancer coming back. When you feel worried:
- Write down your thoughts (we have a place to journal in the Manta Planner)
- Focus on things you can control, like eating well and staying active
- Talk to your doctor about your concerns
Check out our podcast episode with Dr. Manuel Kogon: “Techniques to manage stress and uncertainty”
Finding Joy
Look for things that make you happy:
- Spend time with people you love
- Try a new hobby
- Do something kind for someone else
- Celebrate small victories every day
Improving Your Day-to-Day Life
Getting Back to Work
If you're ready to return to work:
- Talk to your employer about any needs you have
- Start with shorter days if possible
- Be patient with yourself as you adjust
Managing Your Home Life
Cancer treatment can disrupt your routines. To get back on track:
- Make a daily schedule
- Ask for help when you need it
- Take breaks when you feel tired
Staying Connected
Relationships are important for wellbeing:
- Stay in touch with friends and family
- Consider joining a support group
- Be open about your feelings with loved ones
Boosting Your Self-Esteem
Cancer can change how you feel about yourself. To feel more confident:
- Focus on the things your body can do, not how it looks
- Wear clothes that make you feel good
- Try new hairstyles or makeup if you want to
- Remember that you are more than your cancer experience
Read more about How Your Body Might Change During Cancer Treatments
Finding Meaning and Purpose after breast cancer
Many survivors say cancer changed how they see life. To find new meaning:
- Think about what's most important to you
- Set new goals for yourself (Check out our free Life Wheel Audit: A simple exercise to re-center, re-prioritize and re-start new habits)
- Consider volunteering or helping other cancer patients
- Explore spiritual or religious practices if they interest you
Taking Care of Your Body
Remember, physical health is part of overall well being:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay active with exercise you enjoy
- Get enough sleep
- Keep up with your medical check-ups
Managing Long-Term Effects
Some effects of treatment can last a while. To cope:
- Keep a symptom diary to share with your doctor (our Manta Planner has a tracker to make this easy)
- Try different ways to manage fatigue, like short naps or gentle exercise
- Ask about ways to improve your memory and focus if you're having trouble
Celebrating Your Progress
Take time to recognize how far you've come. We know there are good days and bad days, but you have kept moving forward - that is reason to celebrate! You can think about:
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Celebrate "cancerversaries" if you want to
- Be proud of yourself for each step forward
Seeking Help When You Need It
It's okay to ask for help. Consider talking to a professional if:
- You feel sad or anxious a lot
- You're having trouble doing daily tasks
- You feel alone or isolated
- You're struggling to adjust to life after cancer
Building a Support Team
You don't have to do this alone. Your support team might include:
- Your doctors and nurses
- A therapist or counselor
- Friends and family
- Support group members
- A spiritual advisor
Looking to the future after early stage breast cancer
Remember, there's no "right" way to be a cancer survivor. Everyone's path is different. Be patient with yourself as you figure out what works best for you. The Manta Cares team is composed of cancer survivors, caregivers and oncologists - so we truly understand the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis because we’ve been there. We are here to walk with you as you go through your own cancer experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are even developing disease-specific step-by-step maps to show you all the paths you might face during your cancer experience and connect you with relevant support and resources. Sign up for access to our Manta Maps here.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our free resources like our Chemotherapy Checklist for Caregivers, Financial Checklist for Cancer Treatment and more. We also put out a bi-weekly podcast called the Patient from Hell to educate, empower and hopefully inspire you. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Dealing with cancer as a patient or caregiver can feel really lonely. Just know that you are not alone in this experience.
Related Articles:
- Why Do Women Lose Breast Sensation After Mastectomy?
- Life After Early Stage Breast Cancer: What To Expect 5 and 10 Years After Treatment
- Life After Early Stage Breast Cancer: Your Survivorship Care Plan
- Updated Mammogram Screening Guidelines for Preventative Breast Cancer Screening
FAQs for Wellbeing after Breast Cancer
Q: What is overall well being after breast cancer?
Ans - Overall wellbeing means taking care of your whole self - both your mind and body - after cancer treatment. It's about finding ways to be happy and content as you adjust to life after cancer.
Q: Why is managing stress important after cancer treatment?
Ans - Learning to deal with stress can help you feel calmer and more in control.
Q: How can I boost my self-esteem after cancer?
Ans - To boost your self-esteem, focus on what your body can do instead of how it looks.
Q: What should I do if I'm having trouble adjusting to life after cancer?
Ans - If you're having a hard time, it's okay to ask for help. Talk to a doctor, therapist, or counselor. They can give you support and advice to help you adjust to your new normal.
Q: How can I stay connected with others after cancer treatment?
Ans - To stay connected, keep in touch with friends and family. You might want to join a support group to meet others who understand what you're going through. It's also good to be open about your feelings with people you trust.
Q: What are some ways to find new meaning in life after cancer?
Ans - To find new meaning, think about what's most important to you now. Set new goals for yourself. You might want to volunteer or help other cancer patients. Some people find comfort in spiritual or religious practices.
Q: How can I manage long-term effects of cancer treatment?
Ans - To manage long-term effects, keep track of your symptoms and share them with your doctor. Try different ways to deal with tiredness, like taking short naps or doing gentle exercise. Ask your doctor for ways to improve your memory if you're having trouble.
Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.