*Ask your doctor before initiating any supplements

FOR THE BODY:

• Eat “Foods That Fight Cancer” (www.aicr.org)
• Check Vitamin D levels – supplement if necessary
• Hydrate (force fluids!)
• Daily probiotic – either yogurt or supplement
• Daily multi vitamin
• Movement (yoga) / Exercise
• Diet –tree nuts, low sugar, low dairy, low sodium, low alcohol, low red meat, plant based, high protein, NO processed meat
• Integrative techniques (e.g. massage, acupuncture, reiki)
• Infection control (i.e. remove shoes, wash hands, limited contact during treatment week)
• Consult a dentist regularly to monitor oral health and possible receding gums
• Request a bone density test (DXA scan) to stay ahead of possible fractures from treatment weakened bones

FOR THE MIND:

• Meditation
• Visualization
• Deep Breathing
• Music Therapy / Art Therapy
• Journaling
• Decluttering
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Essential Oils (e.g. lavender, lemon, peppermint, frankincense)
• Pharmacological intervention (e.g. mood stabilizers, antidepressants)

• Know as much as you can about your family health history and be honest about your risk factors
• Have a medical team you respect, trust, love, and understand
• Have a Plan A, B, C, and D – embrace the plan and follow it
• Be affiliated with a large, academic NCI-Designated cancer center
• Do not be afraid to seek a second (or even third opinion)
• Know your biomarkers and ask for genetic testing on your tumor
• Be familiar with clinical trials for your disease long before if/when you need them
• Stay ahead of pain and side effects with pharmacological intervention
• Seek complementary and integrative medicine techniques to help with symptom management
• Remain involved in all decision making
• Be your own advocate- do not feel intimidated to ask questions and take as much time as you need during your exam to feel comfortable and confident
• Do what feels right when weighing treatment options vs. quality of life – this is YOUR plan, YOUR life, YOUR rules – a medical team can provide guidance, but ultimately you are in charge

• “Cancer Coach” - someone who has successfully beaten cancer, or whatever ailment you are facing
• Doctor – primary care physician, oncologist, surgeon
• Mid-level Provider- physician assistant, nurse practitioners
• Nurse
• Registered Dietician
• Patient Navigator
• Mental Health Therapist - psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, counselor
• Faith Administrator – priest, minister, pastor, rabbi, etc.
• Family
• Best Friend – someone who has seen/heard you at your worst and will never judge you no matter what your actions/impressions; this person is unconditionally “Team YOU”; you could call them at any time, day or night and they will be there for you
• Support Group – could be in person, virtual, or online
• Financial Counselor
• Treatment Companion – someone to drive you to/from treatment and/or keep you company
• Meal Train – (www.mealtrain.com or a way to coordinate meals for you and your family)
• Task Force – people to help with everyday functions (e.g. laundry, errands, dishes, snow removal, grass cutting, house cleaning, pet care)
• Immerse yourself in positivity – you always aspire to your highest level of emotion

• Self care – get proper rest, conserve energy, and perform daily hygiene
• Maintain balance – this isn’t the time to start training for a marathon; keep doing whatever you’ve been doing; routine is critical in keeping your immune system strong
• Identify your purpose – figure out who/what you are fighting for; let it lift you above your disease
• Do not let your disease confine or define you – you are NOT your disease; you are still you – this is just something you have to deal with right now
• Hate impedes healing – let go of past quarrels
• Don’t compare your situation to others – “stay in your lane”; you are not a statistic; each person’s DNA is different; you can be the “responder”; you can be the 10%; you can beat this!
• Don’t look back – you can’t look ahead if you are looking behind you; second guessing will only frustrate you
• Accept your “new normal” – it’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly fine for survival; adapt and keep evolving
• Keep moving forward – setbacks are inevitable, but your general direction is forward; if you find yourself in reverse, switch gears
• Trust your gut instinct – if you feel something is “off” with your body, it probably is; gain the necessary information to make a rational decision about how to proceed; the truth may be scary, but the unknown is scarier
• Set boundaries- it’s ok to say no to circumstances that cause you unnecessary stress and anxiety; your focus is YOU and your full restoration