Coping with a cancer diagnosis and the treatment that follows can turn the world upside down. Some cancer patients may feel overwhelmed by the situation and not know how to talk about their feelings with those who are closest to them.
For most young adults, their 20s and 30s are for graduations, starting careers or families – not for fighting cancer. Having cancer as a young adult is never on anyone’s five-year plan.
If you feel well and your doctor has not restricted your diet, you may be interested in embracing a healthy lifestyle after cancer treatment.
Lymphedema—a potential side effect of cancer treatment—is abnormal fluid retention and swelling that typically develops in the arms or legs, but may occur anywhere in the body, including the trunk, breasts, genitals, face, head and neck. Symptoms may range from mild, with uncomfortable heaviness, fullness, tight skin, and tight-fitting clothing and jewelry, to severe, where the skin forms deep folds and becomes thickened, reddened, scaly and weeping. Although the condition is chronic, lymphedema can be treated.