I'm A Survivor

Life After Breast Cancer

Congratulations. You are now one of over 2.5 million women in the U.S. who are breast cancer survivors. Thanks to a constant stream of funding and countless research initiatives for breast cancer, our group is going to continue to grow. So how do we women not just survive, but thrive after breast cancer? The answer lies in a few basic principles.

Be vigilant about your follow ups.
Now that you've had breast cancer, you will be closely watched by your team of medical professionals. Be sure to follow their instructions and do not miss any of your follow up visits or diagnostic tests. Continue to perform your own breast exams and have your doctor check anything suspicious.

Have a Positive Attitude
The best possible attitude is to get through it and move on. Often times, women have a brighter outlook on their future after going through the experience. Take time to enjoy yourself. Pamper yourself a bit. Buy that great bag you have been eyeing, have a day of beauty or start that new hobby you have always wanted to try.

Be Active
Research conducted in 2005 by Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital confirms that physical activity increases survival rates and lowers the risk of recurrence. Now is the time to resume your exercise program or start a new one. See your section on fitness for tips on starting an exercise routine.

Eat Healthy
The emotional stress and the physical side effects of treatment may have taken a toll on your body. Now is the time to replenish and rebuild. Focus on eating healthy and giving your body the nutrition it needs to rejuvinate. See our tips on healthy eating.

Give Back
You have so much to be thankful for. You have just fought the toughest fight or your life...and you won! Unfortunately, there are many women who will have to face the same hardships in the coming days. Now is the time to do something for them...and in doing so, feel good about yourself. Here are just a few ways that you can help:
* make a donation to a breast cancer research or patient advocacy group
* volunteer for a breast cancer non-profit group
* share your experience with other women through a support group or web community
See a list of national organizations.

updated 1 year ago