Tips on How to Deal With the Mental Struggles of Cancer or Chemotherapy

Always tell yourself that you can do it. Through all the pain, nausea, weakness, sadness, be determined, you are bigger than the cancer. Positive thinking helps healing.
Cry as much as u want and have company for it
Faith in God and think how much my daughters are important to me and how much they need me and I need them.
Find something that makes you feel comfortable: A certain meal, a movie, anything that makes you feel safe and relaxed.
Get ye to a support group
Have a support team that lets you laugh, get angry, or whatever you're experiencing. Have to be around people who can give you unconditional love. My belief also is that prayer is a powerful peace maker.
just pray with the Lord.
Know there is hope. Don't simply let the diagnosis of "cancer" cause panic. The more you research the more hope you find. And, most of all, trust in God!
l pray and talk to GOD And I laugh!! I think about blessed that im here.
Laugh a lot, pray, sing positive songs
Learn all you can and ask the doctors to tell you what you can not find. Then let the one you care about do what ever they need and don't assume that you have to do everything for them. They are not dead. They just have cancer.
Live by faith and have hope. Never give up no matter how badly you feel! There is a reason to live! And "travel light" through life. Let go of any and all baggage that holds you back from fulfilling your potential.
Prayer!
Stay positive and remember "each day your one day closer to being healed!"
Strong peer group and family love..
Think positive as much as possible: Think of what people are doing to help you, think of all the wonderful people you're meeting, and how much experience you will know later in life.
Wake up every morning take a deep breath and smile, cuz guess what, you're still alive.
Seek professional help and accept the support of family and friends - you need to.
Talk to social workers, therapists or other patients, fighters or survivors.
Don't waste your time being depressed, sad and angry. I promise you it wont make your disease go away. Since it's here and there's nothing you can do about it, be positive. Smile, laugh, live.....your doctors ate doing what they can and it'll be ok as long as you KNOW that.
It's too easy to be negative, but keep positive no matter what.
keep positive and focused no matter what. And keep fighting!!!
Love and Grace Always
Stay positive and take each day one at a time.
Try not to focus on "why did this happen to me?" Focus on getting better and what you want to do to "pay it forward" once you are well. Remember, this is only temporary.
When you find yourself in that negative place and you feel like you have been beaten up, cry out to Jesus. He is the only way to life and he will give you strength if you just trust him.
ask for help
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Anti depressants are wonderful.
faith, believe in yourself and pray
Look at all things with hope and when you can go no longer, then let go and fall into Gods arms. And he will carry you on.
Pray everyday, every hour. Lean on your loved ones for support.
remember God is still in control
Stay Strong and Positive and always Keep Laughing, Keep Loving, Keep Living.
Support from family, friends, and co-workers
Be strong & positive
Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help.
find a cancer support group, PRAY and TRUST GOD, live your life as normally as possible, get out when you can
find a happy place and go there often!
Go to Youtube daily and treat yourself to lots of comedy videos. It really makes a difference when you laugh....alot!
Humor!
IDK. I haven't been a very good example of coping yet. Prayer and exercise, I guess.
IDK. I haven't been a very good example of coping yet. Prayer and exercise, I guess.
meditation & visualization plus gentle exercise 30 min daily
My kids keep me laughing-don't get too down on yourself
One day at a time or one minute at a time - don't look too far into the future
pray, have a good support system
prayer
Prayer, keep only positive friends around you. If you have mood swings know that this is normal for a while.
Remember that everyone's cancer is different. Your anal cancer is different from my anal cancer. Do not allow people to tell you about negative experiences. Approach it with the attitude that you are a survivor. One day at a time. And remind yourself as often as needed that the side effects are temporary.
sharing with friends and letting them help
Stay in the moment..trite but true. Music, poetry and my doggie and kitties helped
Stay positive, keep your sense of humor about you regardless of how bad things may be at the time, take life one day at a time and appreciate every day when you get up.
support of loved ones
Talk, talk, talk to somebody. I chose to write.
Ways in framing optimistic examples of others
You are not an island, start speaking up.
never give up and have no regrets or sadness
pray, socialize, keep busy
Always stay positive. Never question god. he is working..
As hard as it might be, just take it one hour at a time.
go to God with all your concerns and turn them over to Him
go to God with all your concerns and turn them over to Him
I havent figured it out yet
I would get my papers right with God ...
Just relax and keep a positive attitude.
Really recommend creative therapy, meditation, and prayer.
Talk to family and friends, support groups
.Have a strong support system!!!
1 day at a time works best for me, it gets overwhelming to try to see the future
Accept it is what it is. Remember how blessed you are to live in a time that offers such treatments and just take it day by day. Stay strong.
Acknowledge it, prayer, meditation, writing, humor. Ask me for a good book or movie recommendation.
Ah, a toughie. Acknowledge your emotions and feelings - always. Be true and honest with yourself - you certainly have nothing to lose. Understand the stages of grief and allow yourself to live and experience them, in all their intensities. Sign up for a fun class, a book club, do something you have never done before.
always know that before cancer you and after cancer you , you are still precious.
Be patient with yourself and others. It's a tough row to hoe!
Be present-don't worry about tomorrow or yesterday. Send positive thoughts to your cells.
believe in something bigger, just kick butt
compssion
Confide in your family and a good therapist and if possible, excercise.
Continue to work, have a good support system, and know that there is an end to all of the treatments/illness
cry, write your feelings when you can't talk about it,
cry, write your feelings when you can't talk about it,
do anything and everything that works for you
Do Yoga; deep breathing; join this blog
Don't be afraid to let others see you cry. Don't be afraid to lean on others.
Don't let cancer drag you down don't let it take over your life.
Don't let cancer drag you down don't let it take over your life.
Every move has to be positive for yourself and your health
Everyone is different and this blog helps a LOT.
Find a great support team - I found Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas....without them I would truly be a basket case.
Find a group of survivors who have a good attitude and talk to them
Find things to laugh at and LAUGH!
For anxiety & good sleep, Lorazepam (Adivan); liquids;
Get out and do something!
God
I pray. Faith is a wonderful thing!
I'm still figuring it out
If you are not a believer I strongly suggest talking to a friend who is. Let the put you in touch with a pastor to talk to. I promise this road is easier with God on your side. He will never leave you and will walk every step with you.
Just keep thinking about the cancer being stopped
Keep busy
learn to be selfish! this may be the only time in your life that it is all ABOUT YOU!!! Learn to say no. You can't get better if you don't take care of YOU first!
Listen and just be there
Live in the moment
look at side effects as proof of healing, look to God. look for the positive
Look up "chemo brain" on line and understand that it does go away. If you have it you are not crazy!
lots of cups of tea and chats
lots of quiet rest
Make sure you have someone that loves you to really listen.
PRAY
Pray and trust in the Lord!
Pray for strength in times of weakness.
pray, write, and laugh
Pull from the strength of your friends, or family, or cancer community.
reach out for help and support, pray if you pray, write down how you hope your process will have gone looking at it 5 years from now and focus on that goal
Read the book and you will see what I did to help me! It worked and it made me laugh!
Realize that you can only pray and be there for treatment
Rest, and the rest I am trying to figure out, as I am suffering from terrible depression.
Same as above. Find good friends who will talk to you.
Same as above. Find good friends who will talk to you.
See a Mental Health Professional
Set up your support system as early as possible!!!!
Short of saying "Oh God, I hope you don't die" there's no wrong thing to say. Say something. Don't leave a friend when they need you most just because cancer makes you uncomfortable. Imagine how they feel. They need you.
Surround yourself with poeople who will listen to your thoughts yet help you to remember to be positive.
Take advantage of any support groups, therapy or exercise classes which are offered to you.
Take one step at a time, one day at a time.
Talk about it. Allow yourself to cry, be angry, frustrated, sad. While I agree with the principle of being positive about your treatment and a positive outcome, no one can possibly be positive all the time. I learned this in therapy with my cancer counselor, and it truly helped me deal with it. It lessened the pressure I felt from others who were so upset about it they expected me to be positive every milisecond of the day.
Talk to family & friends about your feelings & pains they really do care
talk to your family and friends, ask for help, tell them how you feel
Therapy, anti-depressents, meditation, Yoga, and whatever makes you smile.
There is light at the end of the tunnel.
This too shall pass
Try to laugh as much as possible--watch comedies instead of tear jerkers and talk to others.
write it down
Yoga, Reiki, cancer massage
wish I knew the answer for this one but I don't
Again, keep moving. The worst thing that you can do is stagnating. Keep your body and your brain as active as you can. Of course, be aware of your limits, but never give up!
Can't really give one as I am still struggling
challenge yourself mentally. go back to school. do the difficult now!
Don't be ashamed to cry.
dont be afraid to ask for help. help in cleaning, preparing food, transportation to and from treatments and appts. people dont know what we need, they sometimes need telling!
Get in therapy, STAY in therapy.
Have good friends and family like I did.
Hv a strong support system
I suggest that you do not Google too much. It really is best to get info from your own doctors. I went into my doctors very sared because of all the Googling searches that I did. My doctors was quick to set me straight and he was right.
It is hard. Pray...Remember your family/friends are there to support you...
it will pass....
Its a personal struggle. Dont let it consume your every thought.
Kee your head up, pray and relax this is only temporary
Keep positive. Believe you're going to beat this thing.
Lately I feel like I am the one in need of advice. I find myself more scared now of it coming back than I was at diagnosis. I think maybe I was numb then, but lately I find the fear of finding it somewhere else gripping me.
lots of sleep..
Pray Pray Pray take one day at a time
Still trying to figure that out on my own.
take it one day at a time, and utilize a SUPPORT SYSTEM
trying to figure this one out
Don't be too proud to ask for help.
Don't be too proud to ask for help.
Believe you can do this
cherish the friendships and spend time with ur loved ones and close friends. live normally and try to be as active as u can u will feel better.
connect with others and pray
educate yourself on all aspects of your desease
get on antidepressants and get counseling. Prayer, meditation, music, friends- use whatever gives you strength and joy.
Get out of the house if you can, exercise and exercise some more.
God. That is the only way I was able to get through it.
I prayed a lot and I also found it helpful to read information to gain knowledge of my disease. Didn't give me any control but it seemed to help.
I read the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne...was a great help
I wish I could help here, but I am struggling with this area. Cancer brings on so many struggle all at once. Not only are you battling the cancer, the chemo an dthen you've got emotional/mental issues. This one is tough. Just try to have fun when you can, love your children and spouse first, or family first. Play with them when you can.
Keep a positive mind
keep a positive outlook; nothing remains the same; everthing changes
keep it vertical: Spirit, Mind & Body
laugh everyday. even at stupid things. remember, you are not alone. someone is always listening. Annnd...get ready for everyone sending a cure they found on the internet! haa haa
Look to God. Faith is the only thing that will get you through this.
massages , therapy , try and be as positive as you can possibly be
Meditate & visualize the chemo as healing light on the tumors. Laugh & cry when needed.
meditation, prayer, laughter
Mentally have to bring yourself to where you want to be, everytime it knocks you back down.
My favorite saying is "Stay Calm and Carry On". Do not panic about things, they happen, deal with it and then move on. Take a day to freak out and then move on with life.
never dwell on Why Me?
one day at a time
Patience, Patience and Patience together with prayers
pray, find strength thru faith
Pray, hang with good friends, don't stop living, mediatate and exercise, trust God.
read good books, talk to GOD
Read Lance Armstrong's book "its not about the bike"
Self healing is important and that comes with strong mental agility and perseverance. Talk to close friends. Give yourself a break when you need it and then back in the game!.
Stay focused because this disease can or will affect you mentally.
Surround yourself with positive people and those that believe you can succeed! Do not let anyone take away your right to feel what you feel, You have the right to,vent,cry,breakdown just remember that the people that believe you can will allow you this right and encourage you to get back up and fight again!
Surround yourself with positive people.
Talk about it!
talk to counsellors, your doctor, join a blog, support group, don't hold it in. express your feelings. time is too short.
Talk, talk, talk, cry, listen and talk some more.
The mind can help overcome some of the physical problems
Think positive, find something to do with your mind
Trust in God
Try to block out the negative thoughts as soon as they appear. Only think positive, even when it doesn't seem logical.
Try to give the patient love and encouragement and physical contact (hugs, strokes, pats...). Meditation can help calm the mind. Go outdoors, get in touch with nature. Think positive, and do not always think you are a "patient" or that you are different from others. If you cannot beat it, coexist with it...
try to keep a postitive attitude - count your blessings - there's always 'something' you can be thankful for.
try to sanp myself out of the mood swings with talking with friends, going for a short walk, sitting in my garden
try to stay as active as you can tolerate, let people do things for you
Write your feelings down
www.bananagiraffes.com - keep mind busy when can and rest rest rest when cant.
You have to find a support system that is best for you! I have found that blogging on here has helped me because I am talking to people that have been there and done that! Most important is take it day by day or hour by hour when you have to and do not feel like you HAVE to do something for others, you are the one that is sick!
Be selfish this is your thing do what you need those that truly care will be on board
I stay as busy as possible, and try not to allow it to consume my thoughts. It is so easy to feel like giving up, to be so afraid that you will not survive it, but staying busy helps me.
If you feel you need to talk to someone and don't want to burden your family see an oncology social worker. Also a support group is a good idea.
Reach out to others, help others, do things you enjoy.
stay focused on each day. Don't think about how you will feel the next day.
surround yourself with people and things you love and do something for someone else..it is amazing how good that makes you feel
Surround yourself with things/people you love. It will help you stay positive.
Talk about it...Journal...Blog
Try to calm down, get support from others who have cancer who you don't have to explain thing to
Try to keep positive, wow does that sound like a cliche'
do something anything. don't think
Meditate. Do not let it rule every part of your life.
Be proactive. That worked for me. After the initial shock, fear, anger I realized I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. I got in my kitchen and figured out how to make healthy meals I could stomach and I got outdoors for sunshine and fresh air!
Don't lay around wallowing in pain and missery, the more I got up and worked and just lived the better I felt
I have found talking to close friends and family most useful. Be honest with how you feel and how scared and devastated you are. You are allowed to say, this isn't fair.
If you let cancer get you down, it will take you down. Just don't let it though. Be positive, be strong, and fight like a girl!!
Just keep smiling no matter what.
Prayer and patience.
Still trying to figure that one out!
Think of good things, Talk to someone, try not to stay alone for long. Get out of the house but don't waste your energy
Treat it with courtesy but don't get too close...
"take it one day at a time, one step at a time"
Don't anticipate the worst. Write out your thoughts and feelings or find someone you trust to talk to, utilize your support system.
Fight . be strong. never give up. soke up all the love you can , it will keep you fighting .
Have a good support group around you. Always know that people are there to support you. Make sure you talk about it. Don't keep it locked up inside.
Instead of asking 'why me?' ask "Why not me?" There is something in humility and acceptance that helps you move forward. The only thing we can control in life, is our acceptance that we cannot control things in life. There is a freedom that comes with acceptance - I am so grateful that I was able to put myself in Gods waiting hands.
stand by
Surround yourself with positive people. Cut negative people out of your life because they'll bring your mental state down. Plus you'll realize you're happier being surrounded by happy people.
Try to remain as normal as possible. Get out and enjoy life. Help others in the same situation.
Blogging!!
I have no ideal because i am struggling my self,
Never give up.
Pray and live this stuff one day at a time.
act as if you will live another day
Be truthfull
i will tell you
learn about your disease and use it to fight it. Take each day for what it is good and bad ones...also take a F*** Cancer mindset and live your life!
Stay positive, it could be worse, really!
Take everthing on a day to day basis
try to be nice to your family and caretakers
don't believe the outdated statistics, many have lived many great years after diagnosis.
DON`T GIVE UP AND TRY TO KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Family Perspective: I keep my father upbeat and bring him all of the joy, love, and "fight" inspriation that I can!
Prayer and remembering that you are fighting for more than your life.
Remember, you have lots of friends who will listen here.
Stay positive, fight like a brave
Still trying to cope myself
You are stronger than cancer and it can be beat
Journal your cancer journey, it helps cope.
Antidepressants are a great help, and talk a lot about how you feel to family or a support center. Also don't be afraid to cry if you need to.
keep a posative attitude
Stay busy
i have questions on how to handle it mentally
Pray and be close to God
..........
Allow yourself to feel it. Grieve it. Journal it, talk to people who have been through it. Ask for meds to help get you through like xanax for anxiety or antidressants. Take care of yourself and take one day at a time.
Always keep a smile on your face, even a fake smile brightens the peoples around you, which inturn makes it less depressing. :)
At a loss how he does it.
At a loss how he does it.
Cry if you want to. Don't be afraid to let it all out.
I don't have a clue.
Just believe that you will make it. That's all you can do.
Keep busy and try not to dwell on them. Go about your life as if you haven't the time for it and you wont get consumed by it.
Laugh, talk, do yoga, write, cry, be patient
Meditation
No real great advice. Difficult for everyone.
Pamper yourself,join others with the same cancer as you,join groups,and take offers of therapy.
Pray some more
Stay positive positive positive and relax don't push yourself
Stay positive, stay busy, keep yourself busy. DO NOT STRESS. STRESS BREEDS CANCER.
Stay present in your life, and be easy on yourself.
think positive and I'm grateful there's treatment
Write about it and talk about it. Don't hold it in - it's overwhelming
Go back to your regualr routine as soon as you can.
just deal with one day at a time. Fight that days, pain, issues, emotions. Tomorrow will come soon enough with another set of issues. Do not listen to statistics, they do not apply to you.
Live one day at a time, focus on the good and ot the negative
Pray, read, write, talk, share, blog, listen to happy music, do as much positive things as you can. Attitude is everything..
See previous answer
A great support group and pets who love you no matter how bald you are!
A great support person, preferably a significant other, is essential
always choose to smile =)
definitely talk to someone, holding it in is a bad idea... journal, video blog, anything..
Enjoy every day. Enjoy and appreciate the small things : when you're able to eat without feeling sick, when you're able to walk, or to not feel tired all the time.
Family, friends, faith,hope,prayers,sleeping pills and antidepressants
LOL YES I DID SMOKE POT TOLD MY DR TOO HE SAID FINE JUST SMOKE AT HOME
Stay positive, if not for ourselves, for our loved ones.
Stay strong,positive.
Surround yourself with the people you love and the ones who can make you smile.
visuallization and meditation
You seriously have to believe that it will get better. Never, ever lose hope. Hope is your sanity.
If I had tips for this, I would use for myself as well....its my roller coaster ride
Jusy be there nd listen
Pray
Pray all the time; always hope; don't give up.
Remember who you're fighting for, and why.
take one day at a time
try to find someone that u can talk to without glossing over things because u need someone u can tell the truth to
Try to keep your life as normal as possible.
You can't change the cancer, Sometimes it does seem hopeless. Just try to make better for them and you... Everybody is different...
talk, talk, talk! Find a good friend who really listens, a dad, mom, a husband, find one good friend and keep them for both an advocate for you and for your soul
Talk to someone supportive; I pray alot and keep in constant contact with my family and friends.
Be close to the people that love you
Look at all your options and talk with everyone who has any good idea’s about fighting this hiding cowardly cancer. They have many new advances and procedures. Prostate cancer is usually a slow moving type of cancer. So weight all you treatment’s and learn all you can about what your fighting. Then make the decision based on your studies.
Do your research, know your facts and your realities, and don't worry about what could happen as many things in life "could" happen.
Focus on what is important in your life and keep the rest in perspective
Good times are yet to come!
I still struggle & always will - how can one not!? BUT a therapist to talk to, whom is not emotionally involved like a family member/friend is, is helpful. Support groups, such as this forum/blog or meetings. Having a support system around has been vital for me - my husband is my rock!!
Laugh and stay positive!
Laugh at yourself don't be afraid to ask for help and cry
Prayer and love
talk to God, talk to your family, talk to your friends, find a good support group, just keep talking through it
A good joke is just as funny if you are happy or sad. Keep your sense of humor. Oh....and never forget that no matter what anyone tells you, you are always in control and have the ability to influence your situation.
postive thinking
Set your mind that you are on the road to full recovery.
Bring other into your life and let them be part of your recovery
I do not have that answe yet.
Prayer and love and support from who care
be you, sometimes that means tears
Join a support group, try and find at least 1 person that has been through the same or similar treatment. Also, don't hesitate to find some professional to speak to about your feelings.
Just breathe. Take it one day at a time. Set up things to look forward to and nurture yourself- for me my diagnosis of cancer has given me the time to simply learn and grow and be more in touch with my truth and desires.
Let yourself feel what you are feeling, and don't ever feel guilty
life goes on
Look to God for your stregth and always think positive for the negativity of yourself will bring you down,
Positive thoughts and LOTS of Prayers
Pray, even if you don't know how.
pray..pray more harder!
Stay positive, it will be hard but you have so much to live for.
Stay strong and positive
Talk about it with someone you trust... it's a lot harder to bear the weight of it all by yourself than to just let it out once in a while.
talk about what goes on in your head & you cut it in half
talk about what goes on in your head & you cut it in half
Trust in God
try and stay positive
Try to get good sleep at night. Staying up late and stressing out is not healthy. Keep yourself busy with sports or hobbies.
You have to continue to be positive but it is extremely difficult sometimes.
lot's of prayer
Meditation, family & friends, my Himalayan cat Stitches
Positive attitude, daily activities and sleep at the same times as before your treatment started. All this will keep you on the same schedule as others and the circle will continue.
Take one day at a time. Try to not worry about tomorrow. Concentrate on getting through today. tomorrow will be here before you know.
Treatment will end take it one day at a time.
Allow yourself to vent the frustration
Faith
Faith
Faith, support, and Family
Go to support group, therapy
Having an advocate to deal with the insurance companies, doctors and hospitals is essential. My wife Hildi has been my greatest advocate and the one who researches everything and knows all the medical terms, treatments,etc. I could never do it without her.
Join a group and ask questions
Laugh and when you feel like crying Laugh again if you cant find something to laugh about you'll go insane from this disease
Laugh often...forgive always
Positive attitude, meditation, management of energy, spiritual healing
Research your illness. See about future financial and medical needs.
Support groups are key!
You are stronger than you think. Those who are on this site are proactive and inquisitive, not reactive and blind.
You will get through it and you will finally see the true value of life