Managing Daily Living

A brain tumor diagnosis is a life-altering event for anyone. After the diagnosis is confirmed and a treatment plan is established, everyday realities will begin to surface.  You may be faced with making lifestyle changes, maintaining a job if possible, managing fatigue and other side effects, and balancing your emotional and physical life. While going about your daily activities, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Strive to Take One Day at a Time
  Anxiety about the future is natural. Don’t get ahead of yourself.  Try to focus on today.
• Get Your Family and Friends Involved Early On
  Keep yourself open to accepting support and assistance from those who are close to you.
• Complement Your Treatment with Exercise and a Healthy Diet

A sensible exercise program combined with a healthy diet can help you with treatment-related fatigue, improve flexibility, and support you in coping with anxiety and depression.

 

Keep in mind that your life is not so much “getting back to normal” as determining what is “normal” for you now. Your new “normal” may include making changes in the way you eat, the things you do, even your sources of support.  It may mean rethinking your work and professional goals, looking at your life differently, or even experiencing a sense of new meaning.

 

The American Brain Tumor Association has put together some guidelines on eating well, nutrition and returning to work. Be an active partner with your health care team and your family and friends as you manage your day-to-day living.