Yes, there is life after breast cancer. There is no doubt that the fear of recurrence always looms over the heads of the survivors because women feel that their bodies have betrayed them and it takes time to trust it again. Learning how to cope with this fear of recurrence is of prime importance for the survivors. Though your body has gone through many changes as a result of severe treatment, most women become healthy, strong, and optimistic once again. Following is a simple guide for a survivor of breast cancer to get back where she left- her normal life.
1) Take care of yourself emotionally
• Put your needs first, Communicate with your doctor about fears or concerns
• Believe in your body, be courageous to give it one more chance
• Stay informed about new breast cancer research
• Consider psychotherapy and/or antidepressants if your doctor suggests

2) Take care of yourself physically
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce stress
• Eat healthily
• Keep up with all scheduled screenings
• Quit smoking
• Report any physical changes to either your oncologist or primary care provider
• Seek treatment for lymphedema if you experience signs

3) Eat healthy
Research has shown that a diet high in fat and calories increases circulating estrogen in the blood. Consuming a low fat and low-calorie diet after breast cancer can improve your overall health and wellness. Here are some dietary suggestions:
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (at least five servings a day)
• Choose organic foods whenever possible
• Wash produce thoroughly to minimize pesticide exposure
• Limit red meat intake
• Consume 2-3 servings of fish weekly. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or sardines, are especially beneficial (try to consume freshwater wild salmon whenever possible)
• Increase fiber intake
• Avoid trans fat

4) Reduce stress
As a breast cancer survivor, your life has probably been filled with stress for some time now. The good news is that life will eventually calm down for you and your family. That does not mean the stress coping with being a breast cancer survivor in combination with life’s everyday stress will not be a challenge. Finding ways to limit or cope with stress has been shown to improve overall survival. Just as every woman’s body is different, so is her ability to cope with stress. You must find practical ways to cope with the stress that works for you and your lifestyle.
Some helpful techniques for relieving stress include:
• Exercise
• Support groups
• Acupuncture
• Journaling
• Mental health counseling
• Exploring your creative abilities (such as painting, drawing, or ceramics)
• Gardening
• Massage therapy
• Energy healing (such as Reiki)
• Yoga
• Meditation and deep breathing exercises
• Guided imagery
• Take a cancer vacation to celebrate how far you have come
• Discover new connections (such as religious/spiritual groups, reconnecting with friends, or new hobbies)
• Be patient in finding your “new normal”
• Reflect on the meaning of cancer and the experiences it has brought into your life—both good and bad
• Find strength in your “wounds”

5) Continue with regular health screenings
In addition to mammograms, you should stay up to date on flu shots and other vaccinations; screening colonoscopies; pap smears; bone density scans (if you’re over age 50 or no longer menstruating after chemotherapy); annual physicals by your primary care provider; dental cleanings; cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure screening to monitor your risk for cardiovascular disease; and any other screenings your doctor recommends.
If you have survived breast cancer, you can do anything. There are a number of life opportunities waiting for you. By taking simple steps of precautions, welcome your brand new life once again.