Build a Path to Wellness During Cancer Treatment
Cancer patients are often so overwhelmed by the disease and harsh treatments that they have trouble finding a path that will return them to a state of wellness. Many expect their oncologist will supply the roadmap; others just never get that far in their thinking. But after dealing with this disease for many years and meeting with tons of survivors, I’ve found that patients who create their own path to wellness tend to manage the challenge better and have an easier time with recovery.
Start with a vision. Every great plan begins at the end, the state we want to arrive at when the plan is achieved. I found that visualizing time with my loved ones again -- enjoying things we enjoy -- creates a powerful goal. Feeling stuck? Create a dream board, a collage of family photos and future vacation spots or symbols of future events. It is what keeps me motivated when the hill seems too high.
Assume a survivor mindset. A major shift occurred when I stopped thinking like a cancer victim (this terrible tragedy has happened to me) and instead thought “my body is in trauma and I must do everything possible to support it.” This allowed me to be objective with steps that led to a healthier mind and body, more accountable to ensuring myself the best chance of success.
Decide what’s in your control and start taking control. Cancer patients' bodies are being assaulted by cancer and treatments, their minds go to scary places, their spirits are broken -- leaving them feeling like they've totally lost control of their lives. They are in a place they never imagined being, so they are disoriented with no frame of reference. They can feel disempowered, disconnected from reality. But there is more happening to a cancer patient besides cancer treatments. By identifying all the things we still control, we begin to take control.
Create a strategy for the day that incorporates the things that will help encourage recovery. Even in chemotherapy, patients can exercise control of what they eat (even though the body is rejecting food), physical movement (even with surgeries and fatigue) and certainly their mental and spiritual thoughts.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Thanks Annette for this eloquent explanation of the process that is so important for anyone with a cancer diagnosis. Most people have no idea how to respond to, or support, someone with cancer, and far too many say things that perpetuate the idea of someone with cancer being a victim. Others put too much focus on finding a "cure" while ignoring the human being in need right beside them. It really is up to us, as cancer survivors, to get our own clear vision of where we are going and then help bring others along with us on the journey. Take care, Pat
January 6, 2010 - 6:14pmThis Comment
Thank you, Pat. As usual, you make the conversation richer. Be well, Annette
January 6, 2010 - 10:31pm