Living with Ovarian Cancer
Living with ovarian cancer
At MRO, we understand that there’s more to recovery than medical treatment. Living with ovarian cancer can mean changes in your lifestyle and finding the quality of life that suits you best. And while radiation therapy itself may be painless, it impacts your body in ways that you can’t always see. In order to keep your body strong, we encourage you to be active in caring for yourself. Here’s a list of things you can do to get the most out of life during treatment:
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Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet.
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Listen to your body. Don’t push yourself too hard, and rest when you’re tired. You will probably be sleeping more than normal, and that’s okay.
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Be kind to the skin near your treatment area. Wash the area with mild soap and water, and do not put hot or cold packs on the skin. Contact your MRO care team before using lotions or ointments
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Find a support group or seek out help to manage the stress that comes with cancer treatment and cancer diagnosis
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Make sure to tell your doctor about any medicines or supplements you take to ensure the medications are safe to use during treatment.
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Follow your doctor’s orders and contact your MRO care team with any questions.
Life After Treatment
After you’ve completed treatment, you’ll have follow-up visits with your MRO care team, especially in the first few months after treatment, to make sure there is no progression or recurrence. During this time, it’s important to report any new symptoms to your doctor right away, so the cause can be found and treated.
Follow-up care varies from patient to patient, but your doctor will probably recommend you have a physical exam and pelvic exam every two to four months for the first couple of years after treatment, then every three to six months or so for the next few years. Follow-up for ovarian cancer usually includes blood tests for tumor markers or hormones that help recognize recurrence.
Your MRO care team may also recommend home care, occupational or vocational therapy, pain management, physical therapy, and participation in support groups.
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