Things You'll Need:
- Oncologist or other physician
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Step 1
Get active! Because colon cancer occurs more often in people over age 50 and those who do not exercise frequently, you may already not be as active as you should be. If you do not have a regular exercise routine, speak with your doctor about setting one up during your treatment.
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Step 2
Slow down. You may not have the same strength and stamina during colon cancer treatment as you did before. Take it easy when exercising; do not overexert yourself.
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Step 3
Weigh the risks of adjuvant therapy, extra treatment that may keep cancer from returning beyond your initial treatment. Some treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, may make it hard to remain active. Discuss all of the possibilities before committing to one of them.
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Step 4
Be aware of your limits. Staying active does not necessarily mean exercise. Keeping your mind active works just as well in many cases. In later stages of the cancer, especially, you may not be capable of staying physically active, so take up a more sedate hobby. Knitting, crossword puzzles, painting and reading help keep your mind active and your spirits up while your body fights the cancer.
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Step 5
Take baby steps. Returning to work may be difficult at first, so consider working reduced hours or a less strenuous schedule. Some days, side effects may be too much to handle, and other days you might feel great. Try to work around these fluctuations by planning flex time with your employer; you may even be able to work from home some days.
