Prehabilitation for Breast Cancer Surgery: How Nutrition, Exercise & Stress Management Improve Recovery
Thu Feb 05 2026
What if the way you recover from breast cancer surgery actually starts before you ever enter the operating room?
In this powerful and practical episode, Jen Delvaux sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, MD, PhD—reconstructive surgeon, functional medicine expert, and founder of Clara Recovery—to talk about something every woman facing surgery needs to know about: prehabilitation.
Dr. Knackstedt explains how preparing your body ahead of surgery through proper nutrition, movement, stress reduction, and sleep can dramatically improve healing, reduce complications, and speed up recovery.
They dive into why so many women feel underprepared going into surgery, the gaps in traditional medical education around nutrition, and how simple, proactive steps can make a huge difference in outcomes.
This conversation is empowering, practical, and filled with actionable advice for anyone navigating breast cancer or any major surgery.
In This Episode We Cover: What prehabilitation is and why it's crucial for surgical recovery
How nutrition directly impacts healing after surgery
Why many doctors receive very little nutrition education
The powerful role of protein, fiber, and whole foods in recovery
How exercise before surgery improves strength and healing speed
The connection between stress management and surgical outcomes
Simple tools to calm the nervous system before and after surgery
Why sleep hygiene is a foundational part of healing
How patients can better advocate for themselves in medical settings
The mission behind Clara Recovery and tailored surgical supplements
Practical steps every woman can take to feel more prepared and empowered
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🔗 Resources & Support Clara Recovery – tailored supplements and support for surgical patients
MIDI Health: Schedule your virtual appointment here Join Not Today Cancer the Community, the Community
Triple Boost Protein – my go-to clean, hormone-safe protein. Use HELLO10 for $10 off
Fiber Gummy – shop.joinmidi.com (Use Code JEND for 35% off)
AnaOno – Intimates for breast cancer survivors → [ANAONO]
My NON-TOXIC Favorites Guide – jendelvaux.com/jensfavs
Daily Cortisol – shop.joinmidi.com (Use Code JenD for 35% off)
Free Download – Cancer-fighting vegan recipes → [RECIPES]
Favorite Tea – Third party, organic tea crystals
Email Me – coachjennyd@gmail.com
More
What if the way you recover from breast cancer surgery actually starts before you ever enter the operating room? In this powerful and practical episode, Jen Delvaux sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, MD, PhD—reconstructive surgeon, functional medicine expert, and founder of Clara Recovery—to talk about something every woman facing surgery needs to know about: prehabilitation. Dr. Knackstedt explains how preparing your body ahead of surgery through proper nutrition, movement, stress reduction, and sleep can dramatically improve healing, reduce complications, and speed up recovery. They dive into why so many women feel underprepared going into surgery, the gaps in traditional medical education around nutrition, and how simple, proactive steps can make a huge difference in outcomes. This conversation is empowering, practical, and filled with actionable advice for anyone navigating breast cancer or any major surgery. In This Episode We Cover: What prehabilitation is and why it's crucial for surgical recovery How nutrition directly impacts healing after surgery Why many doctors receive very little nutrition education The powerful role of protein, fiber, and whole foods in recovery How exercise before surgery improves strength and healing speed The connection between stress management and surgical outcomes Simple tools to calm the nervous system before and after surgery Why sleep hygiene is a foundational part of healing How patients can better advocate for themselves in medical settings The mission behind Clara Recovery and tailored surgical supplements Practical steps every woman can take to feel more prepared and empowered ___________________________________________________________________________ 🔗 Resources & Support Clara Recovery – tailored supplements and support for surgical patients MIDI Health: Schedule your virtual appointment here Join Not Today Cancer the Community, the Community Triple Boost Protein – my go-to clean, hormone-safe protein. Use HELLO10 for $10 off Fiber Gummy – shop.joinmidi.com (Use Code JEND for 35% off) AnaOno – Intimates for breast cancer survivors → [ANAONO] My NON-TOXIC Favorites Guide – jendelvaux.com/jensfavs Daily Cortisol – shop.joinmidi.com (Use Code JenD for 35% off) Free Download – Cancer-fighting vegan recipes → [RECIPES] Favorite Tea – Third party, organic tea crystals Email Me – coachjennyd@gmail.com