Cancer never leaves you. Even after the doctor gives you good news, it may not be a physical issue, but it never leaves you mentally. This is for multiple reasons: one part is that you will have regular scans, check-ups, and blood work.
Remember, in my first article, I spoke about “scanxiety.” It is a real thing. Four years after my last chemotherapy, I am still dealing with it and feeling it regularly. As with anything in life that forces us to face our mortality, there will be psychological trauma. How you handle it is important.
Your attitude is everything. Stay positive! Being positive does not mean you do not realize the seriousness of it all, but it allows you to be in a stronger mindset to face your battle. Positivity allows the fight to be a little better and helps you feel a little better, too.
What Cancer Recovery Looks Like
What does recovery look like? It’s different for everyone, but everyone will hit a speed bump. How you handle them is key. These bumps can occur during remission and often are no fault of our own. You need to be ready to handle them. You may be on a long-term medication and need your yearly re-authorization from the insurance company.
Every year, there is some kind of snafu, or the ultimate disrespect, and the insurance company decides not to cover it, forcing you to miss multiple doses. This could be a medication you require as a result of your cancer battle. You need to be your own advocate. Fight the system, do the research. Call your doctor and insurance every day if you need to. Make sure you are heard.
I have tried both traditional and non-traditional approaches. I have had neuropathy since chemo and have tried multiple approaches to deal with it. If you had asked me five years ago if I would have tried acupuncture and that I would find myself enjoying it, I would have told you that you were crazy. It has helped – whatever works!
A big part of my recovery has been weekly yoga classes. This has helped my body and mind recover. It has helped with stretching, and my body is not so tight. Learning breathing practices through my practice. I look forward to this every week and try hard to make sure I make it to class.
Therapy Benefit
Right after my first battle, I began going to therapy. Ten and a half years later, I am still going and find it very helpful. As I have already said, cancer will mess with your psyche. You will go through several changes, and it will leave its mark on you. It is important to talk it out and to develop mechanisms to deal with what you face in life.
After my first battle, one of the local gyms gave my doctor’s patients three free months at the gym. The physical activity was important for my recovery and provided me with an outlet for what I was going through. I live in a county that has more than 50 miles of rail trails, and getting out on my bike continues to be mind-clearing and enjoyable.
Whatever you find that works for you, use it. This is not a one-size-fits-all. It may change multiple times for you. That is OK, just keep an open mind. There may be days when you are happy, sad, or mad at the world, and trust me, it could be 10 years later. It is part of the healing process. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
