Supporting people with cancer can have an added dimension when you are a survivor yourself. Here are three ways a survivor and caregiver can practice self care.
PUBLISHED August 08, 2018
Doris Cardwell received a life-changing diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer in 2007. While undergoing treatment, she co-founded a mentor program for the cancer center treating her. She also created community events to educate, encourage and empower people regarding cancer. Doris was the first Survivorship Community Outreach Liaison for her local cancer center. She is an advocate, educator and encourager on issues facing cancer survivors. Doris is a wife, mother, empty nester, survivor of life and lover of all things coffee. An avid speaker and blogger, she is available at www.justdoris.com.
There is a Bible verse in the book of Ecclesiastes that says it is better for two to walk together. It says when one falls down, the other can help pick them up.
It is always hard when someone you love receives a cancer diagnosis. You often feel scared, sad and want to support them in any way possible. When you are a cancer survivor yourself, there may be additional feelings that come into play.
Survivors may be really good at supporting others who are going through cancer because we understand. We have stood in those shoes. However, we must also realize that because we have stood in those shoes, we need to be self-aware. I have found that I need to take care of myself when I am supporting others. I experienced a time when many people I loved were facing serious medical issues. One time, I communicated with many of them in the same day. By the end of that day, I looked at my husband and said, "I am OK, really I am, but I can't hear one more sad thing." I told him my sadness meter had passed full, and I thought If I heard one more sad thing I would fall apart.
It is always hard when someone you love receives a cancer diagnosis. You often feel scared, sad and want to support them in any way possible. When you are a cancer survivor yourself, there may be additional feelings that come into play.
Survivors may be really good at supporting others who are going through cancer because we understand. We have stood in those shoes. However, we must also realize that because we have stood in those shoes, we need to be self-aware. I have found that I need to take care of myself when I am supporting others. I experienced a time when many people I loved were facing serious medical issues. One time, I communicated with many of them in the same day. By the end of that day, I looked at my husband and said, "I am OK, really I am, but I can't hear one more sad thing." I told him my sadness meter had passed full, and I thought If I heard one more sad thing I would fall apart.
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