Chemotherapy (also called chemo) is still one of the main treatments available for cancer patients, and yes, it saves lives. Having said that, because it uses drugs to destroy cancer cells it does take its toll on patients and their quality of life. For many years now I’ve had the privileged of helping patients maintain and enhance their quality of life with Immersive Healing and Hypnosis for cancer but there is a lot that each one of us can do on our own.

Enhancing Cancer Patients Quality of Life

Some of this wisdom patients shared with me I was able to put in writing in my book The New Cancer Paradigm but the list of tips and base of knowledge keeps on growing. In this post I wanted to offer you my top five nuggets, mainly from patients undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from it.

The first thing I have found interesting is the belief that there is a direct correlation between how the chemotherapy makes a person feel (the harsh impact of side effect) and whether he or she derive benefit from it. There is none what’s so ever, no correlation at all. Now just to be clear, I am not a medical doctor and my answer is purely based on personal research and conversations with doctors. I encourage you to bring this question to your medical team and find out for yourself.

Here is what I have learned from my clients:

1.Give yourself permission to slow down. It is time to pay attention to what’s going on inside i.e. in your life as well as in your body. The best way to do so is to slow down. You need time to think things through, process and adjust to this new reality.

2. Match your schedule to how you feel. Chemo affect different people in different ways and you may not experience limiting side effects. Still, listen to your body and respect what it tells you. If you need rest, rest. If you need to slow down, slow down. Your body needs its energy to heal and restore its balance.

3. Plan your activities. Plan even the simple activities, such as grocery shopping, for a time when you feel the best. If you have kids and can afford a babysitter every now and then, give yourself this gift.

4. Healthy nutrition. Chemotherapy treatment sometime affect your taste buds and appetite. Talk to a Nutritionist who specialize in cancer care to find what’s valuable for your body and recovery. My recommendation is to not be too rigid, eat what appeals to you during this time. If you develop a heightened sensitivity to odors, keep away from places where food is cooked.

5. Find your village. The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” is very applicable. When undergoing chemotherapy treatment it sure helps to have your “village” or support system in place. Whether you need someone to drive you, or feed your ferret or water the plants, the bottom line you want to make sure things are taken care of. This will greatly contribute to your peace of mind and often will make the treatment process more comfortable.

My last and personal recommendation will be to take advantage of available resources such as Guided Imagery for Cancer. I offer many such products but there are plenty to chose from online.

As always, if you have any question, please feel free to contact me at Free@AvinoamLerner.com