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The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Living with Breast Cancer
Caring for Your Body
Your Physical Health and Energy
Living with breast cancer often means living with changes in your body, energy levels, sleep and daily life. You may be experiencing menopausal symptoms, pain, or neuropathy. These side effects are tough on their own, but when you are also experiencing fatigue, trouble sleeping or low energy it can make you feel even worse. These changes can impact your work, your ability to care for your family, your hobbies or simply how you get through your day. It is normal for your energy and abilities to shift throughout your treatment, and these challenges can be difficult to navigate.
Small shifts to your routine can help manage these challenges:
- Prioritize tasks: When you are experiencing days of low energy, focus on what is essential. You can scale back, save tasks for another day, or ask for help. Take it one day at a time.
- Balanced rest and sleep routines: Aim for regular sleep schedules and good sleep habits. During the day, short rest can help, but too much daytime sleep can make nighttime sleep more difficult.
- Stress management: Meditation, yoga, breathing techniques or other relaxation activities may help reduce stress or improve sleep. They can help calm your mind and improve your mental clarity, making room for the things that are most important.
- Gentle movement and activity: Light exercise, like walking, stretching or yoga, can help increase energy, improve mood, reduce fatigue and support physical strength.
- Small nutritious meals and hydration: Focusing on nutrient-rich foods and staying well hydrated can help maintain energy.
- Working with your care team: Talk with your oncologist or oncology nurse about your fatigue, sleep problems or pain. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers or counsellors can help you improve your well-being.
Learn More
- For a complete list of individual side effects, visit our Side Effect Management section.
- Watch our webinar: From Fatigue to Vitality: Fueling Your Energetic Potential
- References
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BC Cancer. (n.d.). Managing Fatigue (Tiredness). https://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/fatigue-%28tiredness%29
Cancer Care Ontario. (n.d.). Managing your Fatigue: For people with cancer. https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/guidelines-advice/symptom-management/fatigue/managing-your-fatigue?
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Fatigue (tiredness). https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fatigue
The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:
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About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
185 Somerset St. West Suite 318, Ottawa, ON Canada K2P 0J2
Tel: 613-230-3044
Toll-free: 1-800-685-8820
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