Physical, mental, spiritual health: What do you do?

karen z · 02-22-2009, 10:06 AM

I am wondering what everyone has done to try and "get through"- either before, during, or after (or way after) treatment? What has worked best to keep you physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy? What have you found that is indispensable to your physical, mental, or spiritual health?

Best,
Karen

chrisy · 02-22-2009, 10:59 AM

During chemo, I made sure we had at least one "date" with friends each month - usually the week I was on herceptin only. This served several purposes. With friends like mine, you definitely have a lot of laughter which is good for body AND soul. It also reminded me that, although I was living under a death sentence, I was still ALIVE and still me.

karen z · 02-22-2009, 11:28 AM

Chrisy,
What a great idea. It is so rejuvenating to have a date with friends and get a chance to laugh and talk- and laugh and talk. And you are right, it is good for body AND soul. I actually had dinner with three women last night who I work with and who were were often with me at the hospital for chemo, surgery, port placement, etc. I can't tell you how much good it did me (and I know them) to "connect" for a four hour dinner at a fun (New Orleans style) place last night!
Best,
Karen

Paty · 02-22-2009, 11:54 AM

Karen,

Family and friends played a big role while I was going through treatment. I am very greatful for that. After that I went back to work as soon as I could so I could keep myself busy and trying to incorporate to a semi-normal life again. With that all set. I kept on reading books as much as I can, each book takes me to a different scenario in life and that helps my mind's health. I also try to get out of the house and either do my groceries or plan on a trip, even if it is a short one. When I feel very tired I try to enjoy my rest and wathch productive programs on tv. Even when now we have the burden of BC, I try to make my life as normal as it was before, obviously I do not always feel normal, but I try.

Paty

karen z · 02-22-2009, 12:04 PM

Paty,
It is interesting that you mention your reading. I have always done much reading of academic material for my job but, over the years, I did not do as much "reading for pleasure". I have found during the last couple of years that one of my biggest pastimes (once again) is reading for pleasure. And, you are right, each book takes you somewhere and opens your mind to the next possibility. And I think that people underestimate the value of short trips or vacations! It does so much good to get away for a couple of days. Sometimes that is all we need to sustain us for awhile.
I enjoyed your post! Thanks for sharing what helps.
Best,
Karen

harrie · 02-22-2009, 10:13 PM

The 2 things that helped me the most (beside family and friends) is YOGA and the book by Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth.

Jackie07 · 02-22-2009, 10:50 PM

I read a lot also. I also try to walk every day. Because I was working full time during the recurrence, I did not have the luxury to occupy myself with the treatment - luckily I've already had some experience from the first round in 2003. Keep yourself busy is important.

And when I was down or tired, I always remember the sentence from one of Fr. Robert Ronald's speeches: "even if you can not move [your body], then just think of something interesting." When I was recovering from the brain surgery and going through physical therapy (my left side was paralyzed after the 23-hour brain surgery), I followed that advice and was amazed at his wisdom - a sense of humor is essential.

Basically I think it taught me to accept myself and my 'current condition' while looking forward to the next moment, next day. That's also what Carl Rogers said about interpersonal relationship - to focus on the 'here' and 'now'. I learned that concept from the group training when volunteering in the counseling center back in college.

For some reason, everything I did in the past seems to have prepared me for the battle against cancer. And everytime something unexpected happens, I just look up to the sky (or ceiling

) and ask "now what?".

It is God's problem, not mine - when I have tried my best to maintain my health.

karen z · 02-23-2009, 06:24 AM

Harrie,
I have heard a lot about The New Earth but haven't yet read. It looks like that would be a good thing to do. What has it meant to you? And YOGA seems to be very helpful to people. How long before you saw its effects?
Karen

karen z · 02-23-2009, 06:28 AM

Jackie,
I love the line "even if you can not move [your body], then just think of something interesting." What great advice for all of us. I also like the thought that it is "God's problem" not ours if we have tried to maintain our health. That is why I think it is so important to talk about how we can do that. Keep walking! I have started up again and doing pretty well. Now I need to get into YOGA!
Karen

Catherine · 02-23-2009, 07:52 AM

Jackie,

The minute I get down, I try to go outside. I walk as much as I can, but sometimes just look up at the sky and say "wow" there is a lot of life out here and I want to be part of it. Yoga is great, but stretching and breathing on a mat or towel in quiet room works too. Book yourself a couple of dinner outings or coffees or walks. Keep something on the calendar to look forward to, even if it is small. Pace yourself. Make your bedroom very inviting, so when you are pooped you can take yourself to a quiet spot, relax, breath, pray and go to sleep. Rest is very important. I have picked up some new ideas from the wise people on your post. Accepting where we are is important....the new normal as they say.

Friends forever,
Catherine

abitjaded · 02-23-2009, 01:14 PM

My therapy has been to stay busy.

Stripped some wallpaper I hated. Destroyed the walls. Learned how to wall compound, learning how to mitre corners of baseboard and next how to repair the sheet rock I destroyed when ripping off the baseboards.

This all started with just painting a few dark cabinets white. Two months later....

Benadryl and Ambion at night help, too.

Hang in there, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Carla

Shadowpilot · 02-23-2009, 02:51 PM

Qigong helps me a lot. I look at it as my daily medicine. I wish I would get out and walk more. As the weather dries out a bit I will spend more time outside. Gardening is good for me as well. I also appreciate the support of my family and friends. Humor and laughter also lift me up.

Sue

hutchibk · 02-23-2009, 04:38 PM

Definitely stay busy and "plugged in" to things that aren't specifically cancer related, though it is almost impossible for cancer to not color almost everything in your life. I have learned some very effective meditation and relaxation techniques taught to me by my therapist who I have gone to for several years and continue with her monthly. It takes some wrestling and wrangling with the "radio" (as Steph calls it) that plays in your head - to keep the negative thoughts at bay and live as free from the fear as possible, especially for a mets girl. I did a lot of that wrestling a couple of years back and worked through my internal messaging. Our internal messages need to be monitored from time to time and reprogramed. It can take some deep inner mucking around and doesn't always feel good, but that's when I turn to my (twice now) successful anti-depressants ~ they get me through the cleaning out and clearing and re-booting of internal messaging...

WomanofSteel · 02-23-2009, 05:09 PM

I found this little saying somewhere and it has kind of become my mantra. I try to always stay positive and take things lightly. As long as I can wake up in the morning to face another day, I can handle whatever is thrown at me. Attitude is everything!

karen z · 02-23-2009, 06:27 PM

Catherine,
I think that going outside- walking, gardening, sitting and and reading is so important. And sometimes we need to push ourselves to get out there but it always helps.
karen

Mary Jo · 02-23-2009, 06:29 PM

For me in just a few words........

prayer.....reading God's word (the Bible)........exercise.......love of family and friends. I needed that always...but especially while going through treatment and beyond. Growing closer to my Lord each and everyday is my priority each day now....as I realize more than ever....that this life is short and eternity is what's waiting for forever....I want to be their.

Sending love and prayers to you my sisters,

Mary Jo
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

karen z · 02-23-2009, 06:39 PM

Boy Carla,
You have inspired me to tear up my house a bit!
Karen

karen z · 02-23-2009, 06:42 PM

WomanofSteel,
I like your mantra, especially the part about letting go of the pointless drama and surrounding yourself with people who make you happy. That was one of the first things a cancer counselor told me.
Karen

ElaineM · 02-23-2009, 08:56 PM

Keep connections with friends and family open. Try to keep my life and daily activities as normal as possible. Watch alot of good comedy on T. V. Take myself out to coffee or a snack once in a while . Pray. Find a passion or two and get involved.

karen z · 02-24-2009, 07:18 PM

Very good advice, ElaineM.
Finding a passion or two or getting involved is important. Also, getting back to a passion left behind in the business of life (photography, drawing) helps a great deal I think.
Karen