Breast cancer treatment can bring a host of side effects, from physical pain to emotional stress. As more people explore alternative therapies, medical cannabis is emerging as a promising tool to help manage these symptoms. To explore this topic, we interviewed Stacy Bobak, a certified cannabis educator and breast cancer survivor and founder of CannaDent and EduCanNation. She shared valuable insights from her personal journey with cannabis during her breast cancer treatment. Many of the tips in this post are drawn from her experience and can help others navigate the challenges of cancer care.
Let’s dive into how cannabis may support breast cancer patients and ease the burden of treatment side effects.
Cannabis for Pain Relief
One of the most common side effects of breast cancer treatment, especially for those taking hormone-blocking medications, is joint and muscle pain. This pain can be debilitating, making it harder to get through daily life.
Cannabis topicals, such as creams and balms, are a popular option for targeting pain. These products don’t enter the bloodstream, so they provide relief without psychoactive effects. By applying topicals directly to areas experiencing discomfort, patients can get localised relief without altering their mental state.
Managing Anxiety and Mood Swings
Breast cancer treatment often takes an emotional toll. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common side effects that can make recovery even more challenging.
This is where CBD oil can make a big difference. Known for its calming effects, CBD may help regulate mood without the psychoactive effects of THC. Some breast cancer patients (like Stacy) use CBD to stay emotionally balanced throughout their treatment. You can take CBD a variety of ways – like tinctures, capsules, or edibles – allowing for flexibility based on your preferences.
Improving Sleep
Sleep disturbances are another common issue during breast cancer treatment, whether due to pain, anxiety, or medication. Poor sleep can hinder our overall well-being, making it crucial to find ways to rest properly.
Cannabis may help. For quick relief, inhaling cannabis through a vaporizer may be a good option. Some cannabis products, especially those high in myrcene, a terpene known for its sedative properties, may promote relaxation and help with sleep. Edibles and oils can also provide long-lasting relief, though they can take longer to kick in.
Customizing Your Cannabis Use
During her breast cancer journey, Stacy discovered that layering cannabis products was an effective strategy for managing all her different symptoms. She used a combination of products, like topicals and CBD oil, when appropriate.
Stacy found relief from her symptoms by:
Using topicals for localized pain relief.
Taking CBD oil to manage anxiety and mood swings.
Using dried cannabis in a dry herb vaporizer for quick relief.
By customizing her cannabis routine, she targeted multiple symptoms to improve her overall quality of life. As you navigate cannabis for your own wellness journey, consider trying multiple delivery routes to see which best suit your needs and layer them as needed.
Advocating for Yourself
If you’re thinking about using cannabis during your breast cancer treatment, it’s essential to advocate for your own health. Not all healthcare providers are familiar with the potential benefits of cannabis, so doing your research and seeking out a certified cannabis educator or clinician can help you get started on the right foot. The free ElionMED platform has a wide variety of resources to support you, and can be a great place to start.
Cannabis as a Complementary Tool
From pain relief to better sleep and emotional balance, cannabis may be an effective complementary tool for managing breast cancer symptoms and treatment side effects. It has the potential to make the cancer treatment journey a little more manageable. Every person’s experience with cannabis is unique though, so take your time to find what works for you.
And before incorporating cannabis into your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you.
At ElionMED, we’re here to help guide you through the world of medical cannabis. Explore our resources to learn more about how cannabis can support you on your wellness journey. You’ll find everything from cannabis education to product suggestions, and you can even book a free appointment with a knowledgeable clinician through our integrated virtual clinic.
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