If you are currently going through breast cancer treatment and just want a little guidance, then let us hold your hand and walk you through some basics.

We have put together some tips, all of which have been provided by former patients.

You will already know most of them, so this is from us to you as a gentle reminder.

• Allow yourself time to recover. It is particularly important to acknowledge that you need time to heal. 

• All surgeries and treatment will take their toll on your body; everyone is different and what affects one person may not affect the next.  Do not compare your healing process to someone else’s - your experience is unique to you.

• Know your own body. If something does not feel right then speak to your Breast Care Nurse, Surgeon or Oncologist. Do not take to Dr Google, instead put your faith in your breast care team. If you do not understand something, then ask them.

• Don’t ever think any question is silly, ask it, as it usually is not.

• Organise your appointments and paperwork; breast cancer treatment will create a lot of that. Invest in a document folder as well as a diary and keep everything together.

• Buy yourself a new set of pyjamas, or even two - who doesn’t love the feel of new PJ’s.

• Cancer treatment can and will most probably affect your mental wellbeing because it is such a difficult process to go through. Learn to share things with others, especially your loved ones - they will want to help, so let them. 

• Take one step and each day at a time, do not think too far ahead - every day is an achievement. 

• Accept help when it is offered.  There is no reward for doing it alone and people will want to help, whether that’s childcare, housework or shopping perhaps.

• Never be afraid to say you need to rest, this is part of the healing process.  Treatment is very tiring so do not fight against it.

• Find a good box set or TV series to binge watch. Netflix is great for this.

• Have the odd treat here and there; allow yourself a small drink, even if it is only a few sips. Some beautiful fruit or herbal tea perhaps.

• When you can, take little walks.  Exercise is important; if you can only do small amounts that’s ok and if you can’t manage it one day, try again the next.

• Take little trips to the seaside and breath in the air.  Even if you don’t get out of the car its good to remind ourselves of our beautiful surroundings.

If you would like to pass on any words of wisdom to future patients going through treatment, please add your comments below.