Self-Care Tools That Make Life in Survivorship Easier
From the Sunday Self-Care Chronicles | 11/9/25
This final installment of the “Best Of” series brings everything together with practical, hands-on tools to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body. From dry brushing to year-end refresh routines, it’s all about small, simple actions that create real relief.
This week’s issue touches on:
✨ Dry brushing for skin, lymph, and confidence
✨ Easy “spring cleaning” swaps for comfort and self-care
✨ How to make the most of insurance, FSA/HSA funds, and gift season for your body’s needs
Read the full email below - and if something speaks to you please feel free to comment, share, or reach out!
Hello again, beautiful.
Welcome to Part 3 of The Sunday Self-Care Chronicles — “Best Of” Series: Practical Tools, Timeless Lessons, and Real-World Relief for Breast Cancer Self-Care.
Over the past two weeks, we’ve laid the groundwork—first by redefining what self-care really means, and then by mapping how your needs evolve through every phase of recovery.
Now it’s time to get practical.
Because I believe one of the simplest, most powerful ways to reconnect with your body is through your hands.
Why It Matters
You’ve heard me say it before: self-care after breast cancer isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about consistent, doable actions that help your body trust you again.
The truth is, we don’t heal through information alone—we heal through interaction, through engaging with ourselves again.
That’s why this week’s focus is on simple, tactile practices that help you feel better in your skin, your body, and your daily life.
These tools may seem small, but they can create big shifts in how you experience comfort, confidence, and control.
Dry Brushing 101
If you’ve been around my work for a while, you know I’m a big fan of dry brushing—and not because it’s trendy.
Done right, it’s a safe, simple, and effective way to support your skin health and lymphatic system while strengthening your mind-body connection.
Here’s what I love about it:
It exfoliates and revitalizes your skin.
It supports lymph flow—especially important after breast cancer treatment.It helps build self-care confidence—that sense of “I’ve got this” in your own body.
The key, though, is knowing how to do it safely for your body.
That’s why I created a free guide to help you get started:
Download: How to Choose a Dry Brush — A Guide for Breast Cancer Survivors & Thrivers
It’ll help you pick the right brush (for your skin and your budget) and learn what to avoid if you’ve had surgery, radiation, or lymph node removal.
And if you’re ready for more, my on-demand workshop Mastering Dry Brushing for Breast Cancer Self-Care will take you step by step through technique, timing, and tailoring your practice to your body.
Because dry brushing isn’t just a trend—it’s a gentle way to reclaim ownership of your healing.
Self-Care “Spring” Cleaning (Any Time of Year)
This one’s for anyone who’s ready to hit refresh—physically andmentally.
Even though this article was written for spring, the end of the year is a perfect time to revisit it.
Not only can a clean-out feel symbolic, but it’s also practical—especially if you use FSA or HSA funds before they expire.
It’s your chance to:
Check the freshness of your skincare and makeup (yes, even mascara!)
Replace worn razors or personal care tools (less risk of nicks + infection)
Update your underwear and bras (comfort and fit matter more than ever)
Review compression sleeves, garments, and accessories for wear or stretch
Evaluate intimacy products or therapy tools that may need replacing
And if your budget’s tight, remember: self-care doesn’t mean overspending.
Many items—like post-surgical bras, compression garments, and therapy tools—are often covered by insurance.
And if you’re a planner, these make great additions to your holiday wishlist or gift card requests.
This season (and every season), let your self-care reflect respect—not obligation.
Best of the Blog: Tools for Real-Life Relief
If you want to dive deeper into this week’s practical side of self-care, start here:
→ What Is Dry Brushing? — Everything you need to know about this safe, effective lymphatic-support tool.
→ Spring Cleaning: Breast Cancer Self-Care Edition — A practical refresh for your skincare, wardrobe, and wellness routines.
Note: Some resources mentioned in these older posts (like product links) may have changed since publication, but the core ideas still hold true. If you’d like updated recommendations, an Ask Amy Consult is a great place to start.
This series may be ending, but your self-care practice is just beginning.
You’ve learned how to:
Redefine what self-care really means
Adapt it to your stage of survivorship
Bring it to life with tools you can feel and trust
Little by little, those practices add up to something powerful: confidence, comfort, and connection—to yourself and your body.
And that’s what all of this is really about.
Always in this with you….
ps. This might be the end of the “Best Of” series, but it’s also a beginning. Keep an eye out for what’s next—I’ve got new tools and stories coming your way soon.
pps. If you like what you read here please consider forwarding this email to a friend or sharing it on your socials.