| Occupational Therapists are trained to help people | | | | measures to reduce risk of falls by removing area |
| with illness or disability learn how to maintain their | | | | rugs, clear and place non-skid mats in the bathtub, |
| daily lifestyle. These daily routines help us feel in | | | | and use nightlights. Larger pens with a wider |
| control of our lives, and illness forces us to change | | | | circumference or with grippers can help to hold a pen |
| and become more dependent on others. There are | | | | when hands are weak. |
| ways to modify and adapt so that we can regain a | | | | 5) Calm your nerves by using techniques such as |
| greater sense of mastery over our lives even while | | | | deep breathing,meditation, and yoga which assists |
| undergoing treatment. Remember to first check with | | | | with lymphatic flow, pain, and are great stress |
| your physician to make sure that you receive medical | | | | relievers. |
| clearance to engage in the following activities. | | | | 6) Conserve your energy by using carts to carry |
| Here are some suggestions: | | | | items instead of making several trips to the |
| 1) Take care of yourself by balancing work,rest, play | | | | refrigerator when cooking. Use frozen vegetables |
| and treatment. You may need to shift priorities and | | | | instead of fresh to avoid the work of chopping. Sit |
| delegate responsibilities to others if able. It's OK if the | | | | while you perform tasks. Store items that you need |
| house is a little dirty. | | | | regularly nearby. |
| 2) Fatigue is the greatest side effects suffered after | | | | 7) Try to use both hands as a team rather than |
| cancer treatment. However, research has found that | | | | relying just on the unaffected arm for daily tasks |
| exercise during treatment can actually counter the | | | | such as bed making, dishwashing or lifting. If you |
| fatigue. Exercise improves quality of life, enhances | | | | recently received surgery, it is better to slide objects |
| function, and gives one a sense of control. Even | | | | if possible rather than lifting them. |
| starting with 5 minutes of exercise a day can be | | | | 8) Finger fitness is important if chemotherapy has |
| beneficial. The less you do, the more fatigue you will | | | | caused weakness. Special exercises can help you to |
| feel. | | | | maintain or improve the dexterity and strength in |
| 3) If you have received a TRAM FLAP | | | | your hands. |
| reconstruction, putting on shoes and socks may be | | | | 9) Short rest breaks of 5-10 minutes during every |
| difficult. Assistive devices such as long shoe horns or | | | | 30-40 minutes of task can help to conserve energy |
| stocking aides may make the process easier | | | | for more enjoyable activities. |
| 4) Peripheral neuropathy is another side effect of | | | | 10) Velcro is one of the greatest inventions. Find |
| chemotherapy regimens. Loss of balance and loss of | | | | shoes that use Velcro is unable to tie shoelaces. |
| sensation in the hands and feet is a concern. Take | | | | |