10 Lessons Learned Through My Cancer Journey.

1.      It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Since being diagnosed back in February, there’s been a whirlwind of emotions to say the least. Through the tough days, come the brighter ones.  But one thing I have learned for sure is, when you are having the tough days it’s important to embrace it. It’s okay to be a mess, just pick yourself up and move forward. When we immerse ourselves in facing the darkness, we begin to heal.

2.      Discovering Your True Friends

With the diagnosis, came the realization of who my true friends are. As sad as that may seem, it’s the truth. Those who truly care, make time to stay around. The phonies are left in my last chapter, and I have grown to be okay with this. Those who surround me are the ones I love the most.

3.      After Diagnoses, Family Members Need Support Too

 A diagnosis such as cancer involves the entire family, not just me. After many conversations with my family, I truly began to see how it affects not just me, but all those around me. It’s a journey we go through together, and by go through I mean GROW through. Be sure to ask how they are doing and involve them in the conversation. Encourage family members to go with you to your appointments and encourage them to ask questions. When I go to my doctor’s appointments, I always take a family member and the very first thing my oncologist does is acknowledge them. This validates their feelings and gives them an opportunity to express concerns they might be having.

4.      Focus On Today and Not Too Far Into The Future

As hard as it may be, when we live life through embracing the present, we can finally attract a sense of calmness within our lives. When we get caught up in the future, the anxiety will soon follow. It may not be easy, but it’s a practice that is important to implement into your life. When I need a nice reminder, I reflect back on this quote. It reads, “Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived. Live in the present, and make it Beautiful.”

5.      It’s Okay To Ask For Help

With cancer, or any health condition, comes an army of information that can become quite overwhelming. As someone who likes control of the situation, it was tough for me to learn this lesson. Asking for help, clarification, or just extra support is totally okay and necessary in order for you to remain sane. Don’t try and carry the load yourself, there are so many out there waiting to help you. Just take that first step.

6.      Express Your Feelings

As heartbreaking as cancer can be, it’s critical you garner the courage to open up about how you are feeling. Whether this be with your doctor, family or friends, just becoming vocal about the situation will help you out. Avoid holding it all in, because it will only build up and make it worse.

7.      Establish Routine

When you form a routine, life seems to become a bit more normal again. Instead of dwelling on your illness, you can begin to find a sense of normalcy again. It keeps you motivated, and your mind from constantly thinking about the scary C word. Also, your life may be much different than it was prior to being diagnosed, so give yourself the freedom to form a new routine and design your new normal.

8.      Be Involved With Your Plan of Care

It’s so important to surround yourself with knowledge as you head down this new path. Yes, it may be a lot of information, but when you are educated, you can begin to ask more questions, challenge the docs, and be more in the know with your body.

9.      Learn Relaxation Techniques

Often nights can be tough on me, so finding a way to silence the thoughts is important. Meditation or visual imagery have helped me calm the mind in times of inner chatter. I also like to pray to the higher power, asking for calmness, strength, and continued healing.

10.  Focus On Gratitude

The practice of gratitude will transform your life for the better. When we live in the moment, and embrace the beauty around us, our world will become brighter.