As a grief therapist and a cancer survivor, I know firsthand the emotional and physical upheaval that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. It challenges not only your body but also your spirit, relationships, and sense of identity. While the treatment room might feel like the center of your universe during this time, life doesn’t stop outside its walls. You are not just a patient; you are a whole person with a life worth living even during treatment!
The Emotional Weight
Cancer brings a whirlwind of emotions: fear, anger, sadness, and even guilt. You may worry about how your family is coping, whether you’ll meet your goals, or what the future holds. It's okay to feel these things. Acknowledge them without judgment. Suppressing your feelings can increase your stress, which in turn affects your body’s ability to heal.
But here’s the truth: You are not your cancer. Your diagnosis does not define you. Give yourself permission to feel grief for the life you thought you’d have right now. Once you’ve done that, remember that grief and hope can coexist. You can feel scared and still find joy in small moments.
The Physical Reality
I know from my own personal experience that cancer treatments can take a toll on your body. Fatigue, nausea, pain, and the loss of your physical strength can make it hard to feel like “yourself.” These physical challenges may limit what you can do, but they don’t have to limit who you are.
Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, shift your mindset to what you can. On days when walking around the block feels like a marathon, celebrate that you got up and tried. If cooking a full meal feels impossible, savor a bowl of soup, and know that you are nourishing yourself. Your body is fighting a hard battle, and even small acts of self-care are victories.
Continuing to Live Your Life
Living your life while going through treatment doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine or forcing yourself into a version of “normal.” It means finding ways to adapt and thrive within your current reality.
1 Set Small Goals
Your goals don’t have to be monumental. Some days, simply getting out of bed or reading a
chapter of a book is enough. On others, you might tackle something bigger, like spending time with a friend or pursuing a hobby. These small victories remind you that your life is still yours to shape.
2 Lean on Your Support System
Cancer can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Friends, family, support groups, and therapists can help you process your emotions and share the burden. Let people help you, they want to. Whether it’s running errands, cooking a meal, or simply sitting with you, their support can make all the difference.
3 Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool to help you stay present and grounded. Cancer has a way of making you worry about the future, but practicing mindfulness, whether through meditation, journaling, or simply noticing the beauty around you can help bring you back to the present moment.
4 Keep Doing What You Love
Treatment might change the way you engage with your passions, but it doesn’t have to take them away. Love gardening? Start with a small potted plant. Enjoy painting? Create something abstract on days when focus feels elusive. Your hobbies can serve as a reminder that you are more than a patient; you are a creator, a dreamer, and a doer.
5 Find Meaning in Your Journey
Cancer is an uninvited teacher, but it can teach us what truly matters. Use this time to reflect on your values, priorities, and relationships. What makes your heart sing? Who brings light into your life? Use the answers to guide how you spend your time and energy.
Motivation to Keep Going
Some days will feel harder than others. There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed by the weight of it all. When those moments come, remind yourself that you’ve already made it through some of your toughest days. You are resilient, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.
Focus on the small joys: a warm cup of tea, a kind word from a friend, or the comfort of your favorite blanket. These moments are the building blocks of a life well-lived, even in the face of adversity.
Beyond the Treatment Room
The treatment room may be where you go to fight cancer, but your life exists beyond its walls. Every day you wake up is a day to live and not just survive. Your life may look different now, but it is still your life, and it is still worth living.
As a cancer survivor, I can tell you this: You are stronger than you think. The road may be long and winding, but it’s yours to walk, and every step you take is a testament to your courage and resilience.
You’ve got this. One day, one step, one moment at a time.
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