That’s why it’s so important to prioritize your mental health and well-being throughout ovarian cancer treatment. “This is an area that’s vastly understudied and underappreciated, but we are making progress,” says Charles “Trey” Leath, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at UAB Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama.
Not sure where to start? Consider these tips, and consult your oncologist for referrals for extra support when needed.
1. Pay Attention to Your Diet
Generally speaking, a healthy, ovarian cancer–friendly diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains and limits red and processed meats, as well as refined grains. When it comes to ovarian cancer, this type of diet is considered beneficial, because it’s high in fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, it’s low in fat (including saturated fat), and it limits carcinogenic foods, such as processed meats.
That said, what the body needs to feel and function at its best can differ from person to person. Seeking nutrition counseling can help, Dr. Leath advises. Together, you can address any challenges specific to your experience, such as nutrition deficiencies often associated with chemotherapy, and create an eating plan that works for you. It’s also a good place to talk about your energy levels, lifestyle, and any barriers to good nutrition.
2. Keep Your Body Moving
Physical activity during ovarian cancer treatment can feel daunting, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or dealing with chemotherapy-related fatigue. But it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and overall quality of life in people with ovarian cancer. Staying active helps reduce stress and lower inflammation in the body. It also helps with sleep by regulating your circadian rhythm and improving your body’s natural secretion of the “sleep hormone” melatonin.
Exercise recommendations tend to depend on where you are in treatment. After surgery, for instance, walking is a great activity. “In the post-op period, we recommend trying to do a little bit more every day,” says Leath. For example, take gentle walks, tacking on a few minutes daily. This also enhances your strength so that your body can be ready for upcoming treatment, he says.
When it comes to quality of life, gentle activities such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong can help reduce anxiety and depression and boost quality of life.
3. Lean On Loved Ones
Now is not the time to exhaust yourself with chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and running errands. “Take advantage of the opportunity for friends and family to help care for you,” says Leath.
4. Talk About Your Values With Your Oncologist
While your oncologist’s primary goal is your safety during treatment, it’s still important to bring up things that give you purpose and have great meaning to you to see how they can fit into your treatment plan.
For example, Leath recalls a patient of his who explained how important it was to return to dancing. “If she didn’t bring this to our attention, it would have been overlooked.”
In addition to discussing your personal preferences and values when it comes to treatment, make sure you also mention if you have an upcoming wedding, family reunion, or trip of a lifetime that you’ve been planning for a while.
5. Make Time for the Things You Love
Yes, your life has changed since diagnosis, but the things that fill your cup are still there. Depending on how you feel, you might not be able to do everything you once could, but activities such as having a game night with friends, knitting or sewing, making art, or participating in a book club may all still be possible.
Continuing to participate in activities you enjoy not only serves as a good distraction from unhealthy thoughts during cancer treatment, but allows you to express your feelings and gives you a sense of purpose in life.
The Takeaway
- Prioritizing self-care during ovarian cancer treatment can help boost your quality of life — and, in some cases, improve outcomes.
- What is best for you will be based on your unique needs but can include nutritional support, regular exercise, making time for your favorite hobbies, and leaning on loved ones.
- Talk to your oncologist about your life values and what’s important to you. They may consider these when deciding on treatment.
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