I was at the post office today…twice. Don’t ask.
So take it from me, the HOLIDAYS are in full swing at the USPS. If you’ve been shopping at the mall or elsewhere, it’s pretty obvious it’s December.
But what do you do if you’re living in cancer world? Treatment doesn’t stop for Santa. The stress, on a regular day is high when you’re in this sphere, add-on the Holidays and it’s just plain hard.
The ‘experts’ have suggestions to get you through these next few weeks, so maybe this advice will help some of you cope a little better.
First of all, the American Cancer Society makes a very good suggestion: DON’T PRESSURE YOURSELF WITH UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OR TRY TO DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF. (This harkens back to losing control in cancer world.)
DON’T TRY TO DO TOO MUCH IN ONE DAY. NO SHOPPING TILL YOU DROP SCENERIO’S.
DON’T OVER INDULGE AND GET PLENTY OF REST.
Here’s an important tip: DON’T FORCE YOURSELF TO BE HAPPY JUST BECAUSE IT’S THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
For those of you who have lost a loved one to cancer and the grief is so raw, there are additional suggestions to follow:
Get plenty of rest. When you’re tired, even before cancer came into your world, you weren’t at your best, it’s even more important now, during the Holiday season.
You’re sad, it’s OK to feel sad. You can try to distract yourself from the pain, according to the ACS, by planning activities with family and friends. It might be a temporary escape, but the way I look at it, any time away from “sad” is a better time.
The way I see it, you have the right to feel whatever way you want to feel over the Holidays.
Laugh, cry, do whatever is right for YOU. We all deal with this time of year differently. And remember this community is ALWAYS here for you too.
I hope this helps a little.
December 14, 2015 @ 4:33 pm
I do Meals On Wheels each Friday. A lady in the senior center has completed radiation and has just had her 1st infusion for breast cancer….only 17 more weeks of infusions the docs have said. As she says, so far so good…no nausea and no real side effects except a metallic taste in her mouth. She said she told someone at the infusion center about the metallic taste and they told her to use plastic utensils and not metal ones…….someone else told her that it had nothing to do with her silverware….just the drugs. She got quite a kick out this. Her attitude of being positive in spite of any discomfort will bring her through.
She is the “mayor” of the senior center by default. She goes around to each unit (about 72 in the building) to see if the person would like a box of food delivered to them by a food pantry (NeverAlone). They come once a month with a box of food…mostly cans and shelf staples. These are people who live on social security only. Have had the occasion where a man wanted to give some money to MOW to “payback” and he said to tell them he had only $2.00 left until his next check came. Tried to talk him out of it but he insisted. Made sure he had plenty of food. In spite of their seemingly lack of material means, you would never find a more generous in spirit and friendship group. I truly get so much more than I give each week.
Happy Hannukka, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.
December 14, 2015 @ 5:37 pm
Do those folks know they have an ANGEL in their midst, Al? Because they do and it’s YOU.
So good to hear from you and Happy Holidays around the family tree.
L
December 14, 2015 @ 7:40 pm
Thank you for your best wishes and certainly back to you. I know that sometimes you might question if you make a difference since there are so few responses. I would submit that you make a huge difference but maybe it isn’t able to be measured (even though that’s what human nature says we must do) and I would also add that it isn’t important to be measured by numbers. As you walk the halls each week and encounter the newly diagnosed and/or the oldtimers who are worn down and in need of HOPE, your smiling face or a kind word or a touch to their hand or shoulder or all of those convey that “you know….you’ve walked this path before so let me help you, encourage you and perhaps give you a reason to HOPE”.
Continue doing what you do because you never know the difference you may make in someone’s life and likewise, they may make a huge difference in yours. The blog may not get many responses BUT you never know how many are reading your words each day and are being inspired by them. You know and I know that the Big Guy would never stop bringing the messages of HOPE. You have picked up the mantle so just continue to say what’s on your heart. That’s enough!! You are making a difference…believe!