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.
Doris Cardwell
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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.
Articles by Doris Cardwell
Fear of cancer recurrence is a common issues survivors face. The struggle is real to keep it in its proper place. Read how one survivor sees the struggle.
I have not always been good at respecting others differences. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of those times we may all handle life in a different way. My experience taught me a deeper respect for how we process challenges.
Sometimes every little bump or bruise can make me feel terrified of what it might be. Understanding how my brain is wired helps me to fight being overcome with the fear of recurrence.
Losing my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes didn't change who I was. It didn't change they people who loved me. Thanks to bright colors and make up, people told me all the time that I looked great.
My experience with inflammatory breast cancer has been both wonderful and weird, even at the same time.
In my mind, I believed the "new normal" I heard people speak of to be something I would just walk right into after treatment. I was not prepared for post treatment pain issues.
I am forever thankful for the care I received from my oncology care team. But I am also often frustrated by lack of knowledge for late-term effects resulting from that care.
Many people don't realize they are putting pressure on those walking though cancer to keep a good attitude. There are days we all need to be able to acknowledge that it can be difficult.
As a cancer survivor, reading some information brings an uneasy feeling.
Throughout our cancer journey there will be many losses. There will also be some gifts. Focusing on the gifts in times of sadness may help us process pain.
How does someone who is adopted put together the pieces of their genetic puzzle, especially after a cancer diagnosis?
Wearing a compression sleeve starts many conversations with strangers. It has been a learning experience and one that has made me think.
Pink ribbons came out of the woodwork when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and at first, I hated them.
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