Survivors: Tips for Healthy Living

It occurs more commonly in places on the body that have diminished access to the immune system, such as areas of swelling or areas that have been radiated. It can start from any small infection and rapidly spread, often with a red streak up the arm or redness of the arm and/or breast. There is usually a fever as well. Although this type of infection can sometimes be treated with oral antibiotics, more often than not it requires hospitalization for intravenous drugs. Some women who are prone to recurrent attacks of cellulitis find it useful to ask the doctor for a prescription for an antibiotic to carry around with them so they can start taking it if there is the least sign of impending infection.

Attend to your relationships.
It's important to realize that the cancer has affected your whole family, not you alone. While you're in treatment you're usually focused chiefly on yourself, because you have to be. But as soon as you can, address how your condition affects those closest to you. Partners of women with breast cancer also have feelings that need to be acknowledged. Couples therapy can help. It's crucial to communicate with each other at this time and to work through the complex feelings you are facing. Being as open as you can be with your children is important for you, and for them. Breast cancer has particularly complex ramifications for a mother and her daughter. It may be worth considering family therapy with your children or the whole family.

Nurture your sexuality.
One of the least discussed subjects about life after breast cancer is sexuality, yet many women have difficulties with sex and intimacy following a breast cancer diagnosis. Aside from feeling that their bodies have betrayed them, they may feel as though they've been violated by the treatments. Most women find sex hard to talk about—especially when it concerns feelings, perhaps only half recognized themselves, about losing both their sexual attractiveness and their own libidos when they lose a part of their bodies so strongly associated with sexuality. It takes a while to feel good and in control of your body again. You need to communicate these feelings to your partner so he or she can help you in your healing and so that together you can explore new ways of lovemaking that you both enjoy.

Attend to your emotional healing.
Emotional healing techniques are more varied and individual than physical ones, but there are many that have proved helpful to women with breast cancer.