This time of year always prompts us to think about the things that are most important to us. We think about what really matters and what changes we would like to make for the upcoming year.
The stress of the holidays is over, but so are the many celebrations and events that keep us so busy. This is the time that things slow down and we have more time to reflect on our life.
For some people this is the most difficult time of year, getting back to the normal day to day activities of life. And if you are in cancer treatment that can be especially difficult.
It is important to still try to keep busy with family and friends as much as you are able. Sometimes during the holidays cancer patients can feel isolated. Friends and family may not know how to react to your illness and fear they will say the wrong thing.
If there is someone that you are wishing would contact you or you are wondering why they haven’t, this may be why. Reach out to them, it may be just what you both need.
Think about the year ahead and plan to do things that make the most of your energy, such as having a friend over the coffee when you don’t have energy to go out. Live in the moment and don’t feel obligated to live up to others expectations. Everyone experiences cancer treatment differently and only you know how you are feeling.
I remember when I was going through treatment eight years ago at this time of year, I had one more chemo treatment left and I had already found out that my previous five chemo treatments had shrunk my tumor quite a bit and my surgery to remove what was left was coming up right after my last chemo treatment. So I thought what a great idea it would be to just skip that last horrible chemo treatment!
Unfortunately, my doctor did not agree he said, “But how will you feel if down the road your cancer were to come back? You would always have to wonder if had you done that last chemo treatment, then maybe the cancer would not have returned.”
……..ugh! How could I argue with that?? He was right, as much as I didn’t want to endure the horrible side effects of that last chemo treatment, I sure didn’t want to have any regrets down the road about not doing it.
So, that year I started the year with my last chemo treatment and in the end it worked out ok. Eight years later I get to drive my 10 year old Emily to 4th grade, and my almost 14 year old Jessica to 8th grade! So glad I listened to my doctor and took his advice!
Take this time of year to slow down and realize the blessings of each day and celebrate the small things in your life.
This is a great read, if you are looking to kick start your New Year, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr. Kris Carr is an actress and photographer who discovered she had a liver covered with cancerous tumors. Her inspiring book is a warm and funny tool for anyone diagnosed with cancer. She documents her interactions through her cancer journey with her friends, family, doctors, and other cancer survivors. She also provides tips on how to boost your immune system through the food you eat and provides recipes that worked for her. Kris Carr is very candid and inspiring about her cancer journey, she just says it like it is 🙂