Approach when diagnosed with cancer

It is natural to experience fear and stress after a cancer diagnosis, but cultivating a positive attitude early on is essential. While cancer and its treatment may seem overwhelming, remember that many others are going through similar or more challenging journeys. You are not alone. Joining cancer support groups can provide comfort and practical advice. Sharing your worries with others who have faced similar struggles may lead to insights or solutions that can help you cope more effectively. Often, these groups include experts and survivors who can offer guidance based on personal experience. To nurture a positive mindset, consider incorporating the following into your routine:

• Meditation: Helps calm the mind and reduce stress.
• Pranayama: Breathing exercises that enhance relaxation and lung health.
• Yoga: Improves physical strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.
• Music Therapy: Listening to or creating music can uplift your mood.
• Cancer Groups: Engage with patients and survivors in your specific type of cancer group. Sharing your journey can foster hope and resilience.
Maintaining a positive outlook is crucial to managing both your physical and emotional health during the cancer journey.

It is essential to undergo all necessary investigations as advised by your oncologist. These may include imaging tests such as sonography, CT scan, MRI, PET CT scan, and procedures like endoscopy, colonoscopy, FNAC or biopsy, blood biopsy, blood tests, and tumor marker evaluations. Completing thorough investigations is crucial because they provide detailed insights into the type, stage, and spread of cancer, which are essential for creating a personalized treatment plan.

Accurate and comprehensive testing helps your oncologist determine the most suitable treatment approach, ensuring that you receive the maximum health benefits and the best possible outcome in your cancer care.

It’s important to follow the treatment plan your oncologist outlines for your specific type of cancer. Keep an open line of communication—don’t hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you may have. Understanding the pros and cons of your treatment options, including potential side effects, will help you make informed decisions and feel more confident about the process.

Completing the treatment as recommended by your oncologist is essential for achieving the best possible outcome. Stay proactive, informed, and engaged with your healthcare team to ensure that your treatment journey is as smooth and effective as possible.

It’s common to experience side effects from conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In these situations, it’s important not to panic. Openly discuss any side effects with your oncologist, who may adjust the dosage or temporarily halt the treatment to allow your body to recover.

Additionally, you can consult an Ayur Oncologist to help manage the adverse effects of conventional treatments. In our experience at Som Wellness Clinic, integrating Ayurvedic care to manage these side effects does not interfere with conventional therapy. In fact, it often helps reduce the intensity of side effects, enabling patients to complete their conventional treatment plan with greater ease. By managing these adverse events effectively, patients can maintain their physical and emotional well-being throughout their cancer journey.

Palliative care is often misunderstood as care only for end-of-life situations. However, it plays a crucial role in managing symptoms throughout the cancer journey, including pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, anxiety, depression, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, and weight loss. These symptoms, though sometimes perceived as minor, can significantly impact both the mental and physical well-being of cancer patients if left unaddressed.

At Som Wellness Clinic, the focus is on palliative management to alleviate these symptoms, ensuring that patients maintain the best possible quality of life. The clinic prioritizes symptom management as a cornerstone of cancer care, offering relief from the side effects of cancer and its treatments, thus enhancing the overall well-being of each patient. Som Therapy emphasizes that improving the patient's quality of life is paramount in cancer management, and effective palliative care is central to achieving this goal.

Cancer survivorship involves more than just surviving the disease; it emphasizes living a healthy and fulfilling life after treatment. Here are key aspects to focus on during this phase:

a. Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle: Embracing a healthy lifestyle is crucial for long-term well-being. Incorporate practices such as:
   Yoga: Helps enhance physical strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.
   Pranayama: Breathing exercises that improve lung function and reduce stress.
   A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall health.

b. Maintain the Health of Vital Organs: After cancer treatment, there may be an increased risk of cancer spreading to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, or brain. It’s essential to monitor and manage any existing conditions affecting these vital organs. If you have long-standing illnesses, consult with experts at Som Wellness Clinic for tailored management strategies. Proper management can help reduce the risk of recurrence and support overall organ health.

c. Focus on Immunity: A robust immune system is vital for cancer survivors to help prevent recurrence and combat potential infections. Incorporate practices that boost immunity, such as:
   Regular physical activity
   Adequate sleep
   Stress management techniques
   A nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods

By focusing on these key areas, cancer survivors can enhance their quality of life, reduce the risk of recurrence, and support their overall health and well-being.

Cancer treatment can sometimes leave you feeling emotionally and physically drained. During such times, it's crucial to stay engaged in activities that bring you joy or that you've always wanted to try. Whether it's listening to music, visiting friends, joining social groups, or participating in activities for a noble cause, these pursuits can uplift your spirits and provide a sense of fulfilment. Staying active in hobbies or meaningful social engagements not only improves your mood but also enhances your overall well-being during your treatment journey.

Cancer treatments can be costly, placing an additional financial strain on patients and their families. It’s important to plan ahead by discussing your options with a health insurance agent to understand what therapies are covered. Since certain treatments, including some palliative care options, may not be fully covered by insurance, you should carefully manage your budget and explore financial assistance programs or alternate funding options. Proactive financial planning can help ensure that your treatment journey is as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on recovery and well-being.

Late effects of cancer therapies may be like second cancer, kidney condition, liver diseases, sexual dysfunction, infertility, bone loss, mental disorders, chemo brain, fatigue etc. Som Wellness Clinic through Ayurveda can offer management of such conditions.

Hospice care is a specialized type of medical care designed to provide comfort and support for individuals facing a terminal illness. It focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families rather than seeking to cure the illness. Hospice care can be offered at home, in hospice facilities, or in hospitals, depending on the patient's needs and preferences. Key components of hospice care include:

• Pain and Symptom Management: Hospice teams prioritize managing pain and other distressing symptoms to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible.
• Emotional and Spiritual Support: Hospice care addresses the emotional and spiritual needs of both patients and their families, offering counseling and support services.
• Family Involvement: Hospice care encourages family participation in the patient's care, providing them with guidance and support as they navigate this challenging time.
• Interdisciplinary Team: A team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, collaborates to provide comprehensive care tailored to the patient's and family's needs.
• Support for Caregivers: Hospice recognizes the emotional toll on caregivers and offers respite care, counseling, and resources to help them cope.

Choosing hospice care does not mean giving up hope; rather, it allows patients to focus on comfort and quality of life while surrounded by loved ones. It is an essential aspect of the cancer journey for those facing advanced illness, providing compassionate care and support during a difficult time.

No single medical system (pathy) can provide comprehensive treatment for cancer on its own. It is essential to discuss with patients the strengths of each medical approach so they can make informed decisions. Areas that one approach may not fully address can be supplemented by experts from other fields.

At Som Wellness Clinic, the focus is on improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients, regardless of their cancer stage or age. The clinic not only provides Ayurvedic care but also encourages patients to seek additional support from other medical specialties, ensuring a holistic and patient-centric treatment plan. This collaborative and integrative approach combines the benefits of both modern and traditional medicine, aiming for the best possible outcomes for patients.