It may be a merry time of year, but Christmas and all it entails can take the joy out of the festive season.

Particularly for those going through breast cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or recovering from breast surgeries. 

With that in mind, here are our seven best tips for surviving Christmas during breast cancer treatment?

Be Kind To Yourself
The most important tip of all. Listen to your body and be kind to your needs. Receiving treatment for breast cancer is no small thing.
It is okay to politely decline to attend three family events in one day, or just pop up for the last half hour of the school musical.

Plan Ahead
Make lists, shop in advance where you can. Remember, breast cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation will not stop over the festive season. If possible, get the dates for your treatments in advance and create a calendar.

Let Others Help
Take advantage of the kindness of strangers. And the kindness of friends and relatives. If someone makes an offer to help out with the kids, set up the Christmas Tree, this is not a sign of your failures, this is a sign of their love and support. Take it for the gift that it is and accept it with gratitude.

Prepare For The Heat
Christmas is always one of the hottest times of year. If Chemo has brought with it menopausal symptoms, be prepared by carrying a frozen bottle of water with you. Wrap it in a tea towel and you have an instant cool down when you are out and about and your body inexplicably starts boiling.

Rest When You Need To
Breast Cancer Treatment is hard on your body. Failing to honour that will end up with you in the emergency room. It is not a failure to have a nap, or three or four, each day. With the warm weather, and so much activity going on, it is easy to forget that our body is rebuilding itself. Help it through this process.

Talk About It
Christmas is a stressful time of year for everyone, let alone those who are dealing with breast cancer. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings and concerns. If you do not think you can do this with you loved ones, contact your local breast cancer charity like Be Uplifted Inc  for support.

Stay in the Shade
Both Radiation and Chemotherapy are doing nasty things to your body, and your skin will be reacting. Always apply sunscreen when you are heading outside, and wear a hat. Even if you are just popping out for ten minutes.

Remember, if the festive season becomes overwhelming, don’t be afraid to contact your local breast cancer charity.

At Be Uplifted Inc we understand the financial, physical and emotional toll breast cancer takes on both the patient and their family, especially at times like Christmas. This is why we are dedicated to delivering our free services to local breast cancer patients.

You can help us by making a donation, no matter how small. All donations go directly to our patients, so you can be assured breast cancer patients are benefiting 100% from your kindness.