Children’s Minnesota can help you or your child navigate through this diagnosis. This is an important time in your life, and we’re here to help you make the most of it before, during and after your treatment.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Nutrition, fitness, emotional and mental wellness are key to staying strong during and after treatment.
Nutrition
Both cancer and cancer treatments can affect your appetite, how you tolerate food, and your ability to absorb nutrients. However, staying nourished is extremely important—eating well during cancer treatment can help you feel better, maintain your weight, tolerate treatments, lower your infection risk and more. Even after your treatment is complete, nutrition is still an important part of your recovery and long-term wellness.
To get started learning about nutrition for cancer patients and survivors, you may want to view the following resources. (Please note: Nutrition needs vary from person to person. Talk to your doctor, nurse or dietitian about your specific dietary advice needs.)
- American Cancer Society’s online nutrition library for cancer patients during treatment
- National Cancer Institute’s Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment (PDF)
- National Cancer Institute’s guide on Nutrition in Cancer Care
Fitness
Cancer treatment and recovery can be exhausting, however being active every day when you can, is an important part of staying healthy. Exercise can improve how well you tolerate treatment, how fast you recover and how you feel about your quality of life. It also helps reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem.
To get started learning about fitness for cancer patients and survivors, you may want to view the following resources. (Please note: Fitness recommendations vary depending on your situation. Talk to your doctor, nurse or physical therapist about your specific fitness regimen.)
- American Cancer Society’s Physical Activity and the Cancer Patient
- Cancer Research UK’s Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Patients
- Journal of Clinical Oncology’s Physical Activity Tips for Survivors
- America Society for Clinical Oncology’s video series on diet and exercise
Support services for patients and caregivers
Members of your Children’s Minnesota care team can point you toward a wide variety of resources that can make life with cancer easier.
Spaces within our hospital
As an AYA cancer patient at Children’s Minnesota, you have access to spaces that are designed specifically for you and other resources to make you comfortable during your stay.
- Libraries provide educational and recreational books and magazines for patients of all ages.
- Interfaith chapels provide space for prayer, meditation and worship.
Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic and C.H. Robinson Infusion Center
Located within the Children’s Minnesota Specialty Center, the Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic and C.H. Robinson Infusion Center provides more than 5,000 infusion visits per year. Using the clinic and infusion center to receive chemotherapy, blood products or other infusions can eliminate the need for an inpatient stay, reduce insurance and hospital costs, and improve your quality of life because you can return to home, school or work more quickly.
Working with a social worker to help every day needs
Social workers can help by providing options for:
- Financial issues: Services are available such as unemployment, health insurance and other expenses of cancer treatment.
- School concerns: We encourage you to go to school during your treatment when possible. We can help you with issues such as how your cancer might impact schoolwork or how to talk to friends and teachers about what you are going through.
- Cancer and work balance: From keeping your boss informed about treatment side effects to working with human resources personnel on flexible work agreements or Family Medical Leave Act benefits, we can help.
- Transport resources: Getting to appointments, school and work can be difficult. We can provide information on transportation options and maneuver the details to get you where you need to be.
Social workers can work for the entire family. It doesn’t matter if you are a parent, sibling or grandparent, supporting someone through cancer can be unfamiliar. Get resources to take care of your own health and find support when you need it.
Additional resources
- Gilda’s Club Twin Cities
- Cancer 101
- Stupid Cancer
- Teen Cancer America
- Caregiver Action Network
- Cancer and Careers
- Lotsa Helping Hands