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Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that can help give you the best chance of success—but that plan may not always be easy to follow.

Some patients may wind up skipping parts of their treatment regimen due to fatigue or frustration. Although that’s understandable, missing treatment may lengthen your path to recovery. Instead, find ways to short-circuit the temptation you have to deviate from your plan.

Speak Up When You’re Feeling Down

The first step forward is to recognize how hard sticking with your plan can be, so you’ll be mentally prepared when you hit a rough patch.

First and foremost, the side effects of treatment may sap your energy. Some therapies cause fatigue and changes in appetite, and chemotherapy can disrupt memory and thought processes. Everyday stresses that you’d normally take in stride may be magnified when you feel tired or frustrated, and that emotional combination can make it hard to adhere to your treatment plan.

Remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Here are some ways your support team can help you navigate both emotional and physical issues:

• Talk to your doctor about ways to deal with the physical side effects of your treatment, including ways to manage fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, or digestive issues.
• Speak with family and friends about how you’re feeling. They may be able to help you keep your emotions in perspective and offer support and encouragement to keep you on track.
• Seek out support groups or cancer survivor networks. They may be able to connect you with somebody who has been in a similar situation and can offer practical advice and encouragement.
• Consult with a behavioral therapist to explore alternative ways to keep on track, such as incorporating yoga or meditation into your care plan.
• Adjust your schedule to build a routine that accommodates the difficult elements of your treatment regimen—and reward yourself for sticking to it.

Keep the big picture in mind

Even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time, your care plan is in place to do what’s best for you and your health. Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re having trouble following the plan, but do take action by reaching out to your care team if you find yourself waning. That simple action will help keep your treatment plan on track and move you one step closer to recovery.