Surviving Cancer with a positive attitude

If you have been dealing with a cancer diagnosis, or are close to someone who is, you know that you have to cope with much more than the physical changes that accompany this disease.

A cancer diagnosis brings forth many fears and emotions that can at times be extremely difficult to deal with. So often feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, denial, sadness, depression, and even loneliness make their unwelcomed presence felt on a day-to-day basis. Yet positive feelings such as hope, courage, determination and even gratitude can be experienced too, despite very trying circumstances. Cancer sufferers often recognize their personal journey through cancer as being on a “roller-coaster ride – not for the faint hearted”.

Yet, each of these emotions is very normal under the circumstances, and may take some time to work through. Be patient with yourself. Having someone to talk over your feelings and concerns with can be surprisingly helpful, whether this is with a family member, a close friend, a clergy member, fellow sufferers, or a professional counselor. Someone who you can be completely honest with.

It is true, cancer forces a spotlight to be shone directly onto you and your life. This focus is where individual healing really does become possible. It often forces you take a closer look at your life, what is working for you and what is not. It inspires a deeper search for answers to questions such as: Why did this happen? … Did I do something wrong?… What or who is truly important to me in my life?… Do I really need so much stress in my life?… Is my real happiness even more important now?… How do I heal? … Can I really do this? … Am I strong enough? … Who can assist me? … What can I change in my current way of life that will assist me to heal?… etc, etc.  I’m sure you can think of many, many more questions.

It seems that very often the values you had while you were growing up affect the way in which you deal with cancer. For example:

• Some people seek out other cancer sufferers for support
• Others obtain professional counseling to work through their difficult emotions and experiences
• Many seek out strength and support from their faith or with spiritual advisors
• Whilst some will simply go-it-alone! Some people feel the need to just be strong and stoic, to protect family and friends.

There really is no singular approach that works for everyone.

Regardless of what support you choose, it is still only natural to experience worry and some fear. To allay any unnecessary fears and worries, you can take back some control by becoming well informed about your condition; learn about the facts and what you can usually expect. Take your time – don’t be pushed into premature decisions. It took years to develop your cancer. A few days or weeks shouldn’t make much difference and may allow you to get a clearer head and be less panicked.

Some studies suggest that people who are well informed about their treatment are more likely to follow through with their treatment plan and recover more quickly than those who are not.

A Few Words About HOPE 

• More often than not, there is room to be hopeful.
• Millions of people who have had cancer are still alive today.
• Historically, your chances of surviving cancer, right now, are far better than ever before. That’s good news, right!
• It is thought that people with a very positive attitude, those who are deeply hopeful and completely convinced they are recovering; those who really believe it, feel it and know it deep inside, have a far better chance of making it happen.
• Continue to look for reasons to have hope.
• Build your day based on hope: Write down your reasons for hope and talk about those reasons out loud – so your ears can hear them!
• Continue to read and listen to stories about other cancer survivors who are able to lead healthy, active lives. Search your local bookstores or check out the internet for cancer survival stories. They are everywhere!
• Creative visualisation can be a very potent healing tool. Picture yourself, in your mind’s eye, as healthy, happy and taking part in life to the fullest, actively doing things you really love and enjoy.
• Read about miracles. Many books are continually written by cancer survivors who experience what they perceive as a miracle, against all odds. Imagine yourself experiencing your miracle, in your unique way.
• Surround yourself with positive people who love and fully share and support you in your positive mindset.
• Be gentle with yourself. Daily meditation can be very useful in visualising yourself as healed. Also it can help with calming anxiety and give you something to positively focus your attention on.
• If you are spiritually inclined, you might like to engage in prayer or even join a prayer group.
• Here’s your opportunity to add some more to this list.

In addition to these strategies, try to stay as healthy as you can, regardless of whether you are undergoing drug treatments, radiation, surgery, or trying natural alternatives. There are a number of things which can support your body during such times of emotional stress.

• Vitamin C and magnesium supplements can help to support your over-worked adrenal glands.
• Selenomune is supportive of a strong immune system. A strong immune system is your greatest asset when healing from cancer.