To Those Battling Cancer Right Now
If you are reading this and facing cancer, I want you to know that you are not alone. I have been in your shoes. I was diagnosed with cancer, endured the uncertainty, the treatments, the exhaustion and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. Now, six years in remission, I can tell you that while this journey is incredibly tough, there is also light, hope and resilience to be found along the way.
Prioritising Your Well-being
Cancer is not just a physical battle; it is an emotional, mental and even spiritual one. Taking care of yourself in every way possible is crucial. Here are a few things that helped me and that I have seen help many others:
- Listen to Your Body: Some days, you may feel like you can take on the world, while other days, even getting out of bed may feel impossible. Honour those feelings and adjust your activities accordingly.
- Nutrition Matters: Eating well is vital, but your relationship with food may change. Do your best to nourish yourself with what you can tolerate and enjoy. Speak to a dietitian if needed.
- Gentle Movement: If your body allows, gentle exercise like walking, yoga or stretching can boost your energy and improve your mood.
- Seek Emotional Support: Therapy, support groups and talking with loved ones can provide comfort and clarity in ways you might not expect.
- Accept Help: Allowing others to help you is not a sign of weakness. It’s an act of love for both you and them.
Balancing Treatment Pursuits and Acceptance
When diagnosed with cancer, many people feel the need to explore every possible treatment option – conventional and alternative. Hope drives us to look for solutions and that hope is incredibly valuable. However, it is also important to balance this pursuit with a sense of peace. Not every treatment will work for every person and not every option is right for you. Here are some thoughts on finding that balance:
- Educate Yourself, but Avoid Overwhelm: Research is important, but too much information can create anxiety. Trust your medical team while also advocating for yourself.
- Trust Your Intuition: If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions. If something feels hopeful, explore it responsibly.
- Find a Middle Ground Between Fighting and Accepting: You can be determined and proactive about your treatment while also accepting the realities of your condition. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up – it means making peace with where you are, while still taking action.
Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Hardship
Gratitude may feel like an impossible concept when facing cancer, but finding even the smallest things to be grateful for can be incredibly grounding.
- Gratitude for the Present: Appreciate a good meal, a moment of laughter, a hug from a loved one, a sunset or a day without pain.
- Gratitude for the Past: Reflect on the love, joy and experiences that have shaped you. These cannot be taken away by illness.
- Gratitude for the Future: No one knows what tomorrow holds, but hope allows us to dream and look forward to meaningful moments ahead.
To Those Supporting a Loved One with Cancer
Watching someone you love battle cancer is one of the hardest things you will ever do. You want to help, to fix, to take away their pain – but cancer doesn’t work that way. However, your presence, love and support mean more than you may ever realise.
How to Support Without Overwhelming
- Be Present, Not Just Helpful: While practical help is essential, sometimes, the greatest gift is just being there.
- Allow Your Loved One to Express Their Emotions: Whether they are angry, scared or exhausted, let them feel what they feel without trying to “fix” it.
- Communicate Openly: Ask what they need rather than assuming. Some days, they may want company; other days, they may want solitude.
- Take Care of Yourself Too: Caregiver burnout is real. Take time to rest, eat well and seek support when you need it.
Managing Your Own Emotions
It is normal to feel fear, sadness and even frustration. A loved one’s cancer diagnosis can feel like a storm that has engulfed your entire world. Here are some ways to navigate your own emotions while being strong for them:
- Find Your Own Support System: Whether it’s a therapist, a support group or trusted friends, you need a safe space to process your emotions.
- Allow Yourself to Feel Without Guilt: You may feel guilty for having moments of happiness while your loved one suffers. Know that your life is still yours to live and that’s okay.
- Create Meaningful Memories: Take photos, have deep conversations, make plans together. Even if the future is uncertain, the love you share today is real and lasting.
A Message of Encouragement
Cancer is a thief – it tries to take away your health, your energy, your sense of normalcy. But what it cannot take is the love you share with others, the impact you make and the strength you carry within you.
Whether you are the one fighting cancer or the one supporting a loved one through it, you are doing something incredibly brave every single day.
Live fully. Love deeply. Make the most of today.
We never truly know how much time we have and that is true for everyone, not just those battling cancer. So let’s cherish every hug, every smile and every precious moment. On this World Cancer Day, I send you all my love, strength and hope. You are not alone.