The Cancer Experience: What Cancer is & What it is Not
As a life-threatening disease, cancer will affect you both physically and psychologically.
While your medical team focuses on addressing your physical needs with chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or other procedures, you play a critical role in your own treatment and recovery, by addressing your mental and emotional needs.
No matter who you are or how smart you are, a cancer diagnosis will create mind games that are paradoxical (inconsistent, self-contradictory, seemingly absurd) and can easily generate uncertainty, fear and confusion. This is naturally human. So, don't judge yourself.
The KEY is learning to differentiate what cancer is and what is it not. Cancer is a disease, period.
Although you have cancer, it is NOT YOU. So, try not to think of cancer as "having you," because it doesn't.
Cancer is a SEPARATE ENTITY from who you are. You can refer to it as garbage, a wicked monster, a hostile enemy or ... (add your descriptor here) that invaded your body and must be stopped and destroyed.
Having cancer will push you to delve deep into who you are, who you want to be and what you want to achieve in life. Throughout your journey, you will discover hidden strengths you never thought you had. You will have lucid moments that are opportunities to enable your will to live to outplay all the negatives you're facing.
While your medical team focuses on addressing your physical needs with chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or other procedures, you play a critical role in your own treatment and recovery, by addressing your mental and emotional needs.
No matter who you are or how smart you are, a cancer diagnosis will create mind games that are paradoxical (inconsistent, self-contradictory, seemingly absurd) and can easily generate uncertainty, fear and confusion. This is naturally human. So, don't judge yourself.
The KEY is learning to differentiate what cancer is and what is it not. Cancer is a disease, period.
Although you have cancer, it is NOT YOU. So, try not to think of cancer as "having you," because it doesn't.
Cancer is a SEPARATE ENTITY from who you are. You can refer to it as garbage, a wicked monster, a hostile enemy or ... (add your descriptor here) that invaded your body and must be stopped and destroyed.
Having cancer will push you to delve deep into who you are, who you want to be and what you want to achieve in life. Throughout your journey, you will discover hidden strengths you never thought you had. You will have lucid moments that are opportunities to enable your will to live to outplay all the negatives you're facing.
It's not about "winning or losing" to cancer. It's about "winning and GROWING" from your experience.
Although it will take work and it will take time, push forward and don't EVER give up!
Keep the focus on YOU, because YOU ARE SO WORTH IT! ❤️
Although it will take work and it will take time, push forward and don't EVER give up!
Keep the focus on YOU, because YOU ARE SO WORTH IT! ❤️
THREE PHASES to BRING WHAT IS
WITHIN YOU OUT into the WORLD
Read and ponder each of the three phases. How do you identify with each? Which phase are you in?
You could be in between phases or even in two phases, depending on what you're dealing with at that moment.
This is an evolving process where you can take two steps forward and one step back.
Ask yourself what phase you would like to be in and then focus on it. There is no right or wrong, nor any timeline.
This exercise is for you to process ... in your way and in your time.
How you will get to your goal is part of your own discovery process. Know that as you go through your cancer journey, your mind, emotions and spirit will be tested. That is part of the process.
Honor your humanity by acknowledging all of your emotions, but no matter what, always keep the focus on your dreams. Keep moving forward and never give up!
You could be in between phases or even in two phases, depending on what you're dealing with at that moment.
This is an evolving process where you can take two steps forward and one step back.
Ask yourself what phase you would like to be in and then focus on it. There is no right or wrong, nor any timeline.
This exercise is for you to process ... in your way and in your time.
How you will get to your goal is part of your own discovery process. Know that as you go through your cancer journey, your mind, emotions and spirit will be tested. That is part of the process.
Honor your humanity by acknowledging all of your emotions, but no matter what, always keep the focus on your dreams. Keep moving forward and never give up!
|
Phase ONE
Validation & Self-Respect Validation The recognition or affirmation that your feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile. Self-Respect Accepting yourself for who you are, even if your thoughts or actions may differ from others. |
Phase TWO
Self-Discovery & Empowerment Self-Discovery The process of acquiring insight into your own character and strengths. Empowerment The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling your life and claiming your rights. |
Phase THREE
Transformation & Rebirth Transformation The process of profound change that orients you in a new direction and brings you to a higher level of living. Rebirth The action of starting to flourish or increase after a decline; a revival. |
"Don't be pushed by your problems.
Be led by your dreams."