Dealing with Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is a very serious life event. One of the opportunities is a
chance to gain more self-awareness, and be accountable. It can be a time to
make apologies and amends that you have been longing to make, but didn’t
quite have the courage to do.
This can be a time of self-reflection and gaining insight. It’s now a chance
to awaken the hero or heroine within, by not only fighting for life but also,
fighting for a good life. A heightened awareness comes over a person while
facing one’s own mortality.
RESILIENCE
Definition: The ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after
something bad happens.
We need only to look at history and within on our experiences to understand
the resiliency of the human spirit. In this difficult cancer journey, we can
aspire to a greater sense of wholeness. We must maintain our sense of humor.
Believing there are better days ahead helps increase our resilience and beliefs.
 If cancer picks a fight with us, we’ll fight back.
Rest, relaxation, and recharging is restorative.
 When we feel good, we’ll thoroughly enjoy the moment.
We seek to be whole, not perfect.
BELIEFS
I believe in me.
I believe in miracles.
I believe in a bigger picture.
I believe that growth is possible through this challenge.
I believe I am up for the job.
I believe – I believe – I believe.
Ways to Deal with Cancer
Through every challenge we face in life, there is always something to be
learned or developed within ourselves. The following are some things
that one can integrate while having to deal with this disease.
 The realization that all we have is this present moment
 Getting to know very quickly who our real friends and family are.
 We no longer sweat the small stuff.
 Learning discernment.
 Great appreciation for nature.
 Thankful to anyone who is helping us in any way.
 Slowing down, prioritizing what is truly important.
 Developing the art of loving more deeply.
 Making better choices.
The realization of how strong we are.
Becoming more vulnerable.
Once we’ve had cancer, everything else becomes easy.
Learning to live one day at a time.
Gaining more resolve.
Becoming more compassionate and empathetic.
Getting to know ourselves better by studying all the
emotions we have that are not pleasant.
Birthing the warrior within.
Positive Suggestions
Eat fresh, healthy food.
Have fruit and vegetables cut and ready to eat in the refrigerator.
Make smoothies.
Have water foundations.
Light candles.
Play soft music.
Keep things neat and clean.
Watch TV programs that are uplifting.
See positive films.
Read inspiring books.
Have a pet if possible.
Be open to receiving love and support.
Take quiet or meditative time.
When or if bed ridden, make certain you have very calming things to look at.
Wear your favorite color.
Only talk to people who support you.
Stay as creative as possible.Every day make a list of what you love about yourself.
Focus on gratitude.
Maintain a sense of humor.
Empowerment
Cancer is not for the faint of heart. It is a strong opponent. There are many
books and resources available for fighting cancer. It can be overwhelming
wade through all of the information. Then we can feel guilty if we are
not following a prescribed plan outlined by “the experts.” It is clearly
impossible to be perfect so instead focus on a few good things done well.
Decide on just a few strategies to implement and go from there.
With a Joan of Arc spirit we can carry a banner of dealing. We are
equipped with good nutrition, the best medical care available, and
alternative forms of medicine. We can equip ourselves for battle with
the three S’s: Signs, Symbols, and Sentences.
SIGNS
1. Create signs of inspiration.
2. A vision board with healing pictures and quotes.
3. Signs with drawings of healthy organs and body systems.
4. 3x5 cards on a key ring with inspiration quotes.
SYMBOLS
A symbol is something that is meaningful and personal. It could be a
four-leaf clover, angels, butterflies, a picture of a healthy organ, a word,
etc. This symbol can become a reminder of healing every time you
see it. The symbols that were especially meaningful included angels,
butterflies, and paper cranes.
SENTENCES
A sentence or phrase to be said over and over is a survival technique.
Some great phrases are, “I can handle this....I can empower myself by
being honest with everyone about everything....I am strong....I am willing
to grow....I am NOT my cancer.