Living with cancer is complicated, but the Children’s Minnesota team can help. 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.
Nutrition and fitness can help you stay strong and as healthy as possible during and after treatment.
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.)
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.)
Social workers, your AYA coordinator and other members of your Children’s Minnesota care team can point you toward a wide variety of resources that can make life with cancer easier.
Our AYA coordinator will meet with you at the beginning of your treatment and stay with you every step of the way—helping you take advantage of beneficial resources in the hospital and in the community at large. In addition, your coordinator can connect you with patients in similar situations—providing a sense of community through outings, support groups and organized activities.
If you’re a caregiver, our social workers can get you the help you need. It doesn’t matter if you are a parent, sibling or a friend, supporting someone through the cancer experience is usually unfamiliar territory. Get resources to build on your strengths, take care of your own health and find support when you need it.
Children’s Minnesota has locations throughout the region where we provide cancer care. Here’s an overview of some of the locations you might visit during your cancer care.
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.
Located within the Children’s 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.
