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Comprehensive Cancer Centers understands that patients going through cancer treatment, and those in remission, have to work hard to keep a strong mental attitude to do well during, and after treatment.

The following information provides a few easy-to-follow tips to help build resiliency to stay mentally strong during cancer treatment and to stay positive after treatment has been successfully completed:

  • Taking Care of Yourself – For many people, life becomes more and more about service to others and not just taking care of your own needs. While it’s great to want to help others, it can train the mind to make doing anything for you feel selfish, but it’s not. During and after treatment, look for things that make you feel happy such as taking an hour at the library and reading by yourself, or start exercising. Taking care of you doesn’t have to involve selfish pursuits, but rather in ways that help you better connect with yourself.
  • Become (More) Optimistic – Facing cancer, and life after treatment, can often make people feel like good things are too elusive or good times may not last. This is very natural. With an open mind and a belief that good things are on their way, your mindset gets stronger. There are  books and podcasts, such as the Cancer Survivor Show as an example to help in this pursuit. Take some time to find ones that work for you. If you’re already optimistic, the same things can help you become even more positive and peaceful.
  • Become (More) Fearless – Similar to becoming more optimistic, facing fear is a necessity in building a strong mindset. Part of this comes from not worrying about the unknown. Most of life is unknown. It’s important to understand there is a lot you cannot control, so move forward with purpose – and without fear – as you work to control that in life which you can.
  • Supportive Relationships – Seek out and be grateful for people who support you in your tough and good times. Often, it takes reaching out to others when you’re in need, as they may not think you want or need their support. Remember to tell them that you appreciate their support.
  • Help Others – While the focus during treatment is on taking care of you, don’t miss out on opportunities to help others, too. This can include making friends in the chemo room, finding online communities and support groups to share insights from your cancer journey, as well as looking for community service programs where even a few minutes of your time can make a big impact.
  • Become More Flexible – During and after treatment, there will be many changes in your life and in your daily activities. See this as an opportunity to build new habits and find new challenges. This could be something big like learning a new language, or even something small like picking up a new book that you might not otherwise read.
  • Set Goals – It’s okay to think about the future in the face of its uncertainty. A good way to do that is to think of things you want to accomplish and set goals to accomplish those things. Goals can be simple ones, such as exercising for a few minutes a day, or wanting to run a marathon. For just about every goal, there is a plan available with some Internet research. So, find a goal, or goals, and chart a path to making them happen.
  • Be Bold – Everything outlined for building a stronger mindset will take at least some action. The first and more important action is getting going. Take the first step, take the next step and then keep on going. You may surprise yourself with what you’ll accomplish.

For more tips and insights into improving living through activities, exercise, eating good foods and building mental strength, visit the Comprehensive Cancer blog.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help

Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients with cancer, blood disorders, breast health conditions, pulmonary disease, sleep challenges and those interested in cancer genetic counseling or clinical research. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.

 

The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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