8 Self-Care Tips For Cancer Survivors

While the first few months after a cancer diagnosis typically are the most challenging, there is a different struggle that comes further down the line in cancer survivorship.

Instead of fear and worry, youre left with anxiety and confusion. Rather than making quick yet carefully considered treatment decisions, youre forced to figure out how to keep moving forward and how to get back to the life you had. Of course, life will never be the same.

Thats the thing about life-changing diagnoses. They do just that: Change your life. Forever.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38 years old. At the time, she had a sporty 12-year-old son and a bouncing baby girl. Naturally, her cancer diagnosis changed a lot of things. In the immediate future, she worried that her children would grow up without their mother and wondered what would happen if she was not able to beat this treacherous disease. There was a distinct shift in her marriage, her friendships and her career.

Fast forward 23 years more than two decades longer than her initial prognosis and her life has changed many times since. While she no longer worries her children will grow up without their mother, she does worry her children will face the same diagnosis she did.

And while she no longer wonders what would happen if she didnt beat the cancer, because she has beat the cancer, she still wonders how much longer she has and what toll her years of chemotherapy will ultimately take.

But my mother did not beat cancer to worry and wonder. She beat cancer to keep living, keep creating new memories and conquer more life-changing obstacles.

Managing Expectations

After a cancer diagnosis, your life often becomes a never-ending circle of platitudes. Between make the most of each day and live in every moment, we get it. Our survival is a miracle, but the expectation to constantly live life to the fullest just adds even more stress to our already complicated life.

Wait, theres an expectation for cancer survivors?

Yes.

We beat the odds. Now, we must continue to make the most of this miracle. So how can we manage these expectations and combat the added pressure? How can we take care of ourselves first? After all, we are the ones who survived.

8 Self-Care Tips for Cancer Survivors

You did it! Whether you were diagnosed six months ago or 20 years ago, congratulations! Youre a cancer survivor. So what now?

1. Think You First.

Thats right. Above all else, remember to focus on yourself. I know it sounds selfish, but you deserve it. Think about it: When the doctor told you about the cancer, for a moment, everything felt out of your control. How could this happen to you?

But now its not like that. You are in control of your choices. Whether its making a treatment decision or deciding to go back to work, thats up to you.

2. Try Something New.

Hey, you just beat cancer. Why not try something new? Have you always wanted to travel to Europe? Or maybe you want to ride the tallest roller coaster at your local amusement park? Its all up to you. Whether its something huge like international travel or simply trying to cook a new meal go for it.

3. Do Something Youve Always Loved.

Is there something youve loved doing since you were a child or young adult? When was the last time you did that activity? If your answer isnt in the last year, nows the time. Take an afternoon or day or weekend to do some of your favorite activities.

4. Meet New People.

Throughout my moms cancer battle, she has made more friends than a high school It girl. Between meeting people at chemotherapy treatments and connecting with other survivors at support groups, her social circle has grown. These new friends can have a major impact on your life because they understand what you are going through. Thats exactly what Trina, a 16-year mesothelioma survivor, and Raeleen, a three-year mesothelioma survivor, did. Both women were diagnosed on the same day 13 years apart , and the two bonded over a similar mesothelioma diagnosis .

5. Give Back.

Its not uncommon to want to give back after winning a cancer battle. Whether you want to fundraise for a nonprofit or become a mentor for someone recently diagnosed with the same cancer, you can make a difference. By giving back to others combating the same cancer, you can help them cope with the same life-altering decisions you did throughout your battle.

6. Get In The Zone.

Are you interested in yoga? Meditation? Tai Chi? These practices can help you cope with the anxiety you may face as a cancer survivor. By focusing on your mental health and awareness , you can ensure that you are taking the best care of your whole self. Exercise is essential to cancer treatment recovery. Some physicians wont even perform certain operations if a patient is not physically active. Dr. Jacques Fontaine , a renowned thoracic surgeon, asks surgical candidates to walk up a set of stairs before offering surgery as a treatment option. Fitness is key throughout every aspect of a cancer battle even survivorship.

7. Say No.

Nobody ever thought it would be so difficult to say a short two-letter word. No. No. No. Yet here we are. All of the time, people feel obligated to say yes to various activities and events that they dont want to participate in. Are you feeling overwhelmed or introverted? Say no. Its okay.

8. Think You First Again.

Sound familiar? I cant emphasize enough the importance of making decisions for yourself. Do what feels right to you. If you arent a fan of the suggestions and thoughts Ive shared here, thats okay. Theyre meant as advice, not orders. Do what makes you feel whole and right. Dont let someone elses expectations modify your ambitions, motivations and desires. Live your life the way you want to live it. After all, youre the cancer survivor.

This article was originally published on Cancer Hope Network. Read the original here.