Going through cancer is a very personal experience. Each person is going to approach their diagnosis differently. Each person is going to respond to their treatment differently. And, each person is going to live with cancer differently based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, their mindset, their support systems, and their view of what it looks like to have cancer.
The picture of the cancer patient has been painted by the media. We often see cancer patients portrayed as weak, tired, pale, bald, and unable to do the things they used to do. These images perpetuate the belief that everyone gets really sick or even that every cancer diagnosis doesn’t end well. It is time to debunk these myths!
You very likely have seen uplifting images of cancer patients walking in fundraisers, spending time with their families, and enjoying life. This is a more realistic version of life with cancer. In fact, people who have cancer can and do lead very normal, just somewhat adjusted, versions of their precancer life depending on their circumstances.
No more wondering about how to start thriving! The first step is to debunk a few myths.
Myth #1: Cancer patients can’t lead normal lives because they are sick and need medical support.
This is 100% not true! In fact, many cancer patients lead completely normal lives while they are going through treatment. Each person is different. Some are able to continue going to work or work on a modified schedule. Some remain active in a way that feels good for them and that is within their ability. Many continue to do daily activities and socialize in order to maintain some normal in their life.
Thriver Tip #1: Don’t be limited by your diagnosis. You are not your diagnosis. You are a person with a medical condition that needs managing. You still get to be you.
Myth #2: You have to fight to successfully navigate a cancer diagnosis.
In the 1970’s President Nixon declared the War on Cancer. Since then, the world has adopted the language and the perception that people with cancer have to fight in order to survive. A different perspective is to consider your central nervous system. Fight language may raise your stress and put your body on high alert. This in turn will raise your stress hormone cortisol, which is known to cause inflammation in the body. This is not helpful for your body or your happiness. And, just a point to consider, not everyone who fights wins, and not every winner has to fight.
Thriver Tip #2: Every person gets to choose their perspective and how they are going to navigate their diagnosis. Consider softening your language and thoughts around your diagnosis. Rather than kicking cancer to the curb or fighting it, maybe you want to try thoughts around supporting your body, or working on your health and overcoming cancer. This doesn’t change your desire to survive, it just helps manage your central nervous system. Who doesn’t want a little more calm in their life?
Myth #3: You lose control of your life once you have cancer.
Also 100% not true! There are things that you cannot control when you have cancer, but there is a lot you can control. From what you eat, to how you think, to whether or not you exercise, you can control the little and the big choices in your life. Even the things you can’t control can be approached from a different perspective rather than just handing yourself over to whatever may happen. That is also control.
Thriver Tip #3: To start thriving when you have cancer you may want to look at how you see yourself managing cancer day to day. Are you allowing cancer to control all of your life, or are you making choices and doing things that you want to do and that bring you joy?
Now that we have debunked a few myths, there is so much more that you can learn about thriving. There is a lot to navigate when you are living with cancer. When you have a clear laid out plan in your life you start to reclaim your life and choose to learn how to live with cancer. Cancer does not get to control your life, you do.
If you would like to know more about the concept of living with cancer, I have written a book all about my personal experience with moving from survivor to thriver. In my book I offer anecdotes and strategies that will encourage you to learn how to thrive with cancer. You can get a copy of Living to Thrive: a holistic guide to living with cancer here.
You don’t have to navigate cancer alone. As a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach I support women who are looking for more than just surviving day to day – they want to learn how to thrive with cancer. The THRIVE Cancer Coaching Program is a space for you to learn and grow while getting one to one support from a ten year cancer thriver. Let’s talk about how coaching can help you create abundance in your life with cancer. Schedule a free 30 minute call today to learn more about coaching and how to get started.
Kathryn White is a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach who supports women to turn their cancer diagnosis into a thriving story one woman at a time.
