Self Care During Cancer

Cancer is primarily out of your control. But there are some things you can do to regain a sense of control.  Self-care is one way to “get back in the driver’s seat.”

Cancer is primarily out of your control. Its demands—treatment, side effects, surgeries—can make you feel helpless or frustrated. But there are some things you can do to regain a sense of control. You can’t change cancer, but you can make decisions about how to care for yourself. Self-care is one way to “get back in the driver’s seat.”

Through self-care, you pay attention to your needs, strengthen your reserves and perhaps even build resilience. Learning to lovingly care for yourself is not the same thing as being self-indulgent. Self-care during cancer treatment is an essential and vital part of happiness and health. Research shows that regular self-care practices can reduce the adverse effects of stress, sleep disturbances and anxiety. It has also been shown to prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and can help build focus.

Self-care is as varied and unique as we are. We each determine which practices best promote well-being, in mind, body and soul. Some of the best self-care practices are comprised of simple actions that integrate smoothly into your lifestyle, such as cooking healthy food, listening to music or taking a quick walk. 

It’s also possible that, in stressful or challenging times, your previous self-care strategies no longer work. New situations sometimes require new approaches. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Slow Down and Find Quiet Time

Life after a cancer diagnosis can be frantic – especially as you figure out your treatment options and meet with your healthcare team. Focus on thinking calmly and slowing down the pace of things. Focus on one day at a time or even one minute at a time. The more you can build in time for rest and pause, the calmer you’ll feel.

Do Activities You Enjoy

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to spell the end of all your favourite hobbies. Think about what you love to do, and make time for it. Could you bring your knitting to an appointment? Or spend some time reading every day? Share your priorities with your friends and family so that they can help you to schedule in activities that are meaningful to you.

Start a Cancer Journal

Some cancer patients find that writing in a cancer journal is extremely helpful. Having space to record your thoughts and worries can help to calm your mind and lower your stress levels. 

Listen to a Podcast

If you’re spending time in bed, driving to appointments, or sitting on the chemo ward, you might try listening to podcasts or audiobooks. You can find audiobooks through a company called Audible, on the iTunes store, or at your local library. Try revisiting your favourite books from childhood or discovering new genres. 

Do Light Exercise

Exercise can seem daunting if you’re spending lots of days on the sofa, but it’s still an important part of recovery, healing, and well-being. Gentle yoga is a great way to get yourself moving without a lot of strain. 

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is incredibly important for our bodies and minds. But when you’re feeling ill or anxious and spending lots of time on the sofa to begin with, finding deep and restful sleep can be difficult. Try spending a bit of time colouring before bed as a way to calm the mind and distract from the day’s events. Using essential oils or sleep sprays can also help to create a comforting, peaceful environment.

Try Mindfulness

You’ve probably seen a lot about “mindfulness” in shops and newspapers recently. Mindfulness has become increasingly popular, and that’s because so many people find that it works. The idea of meditating might seem strange and unachievable, but it’s often worth trying. The benefits of practicing mindfulness include reduced stress, better immune function, better well-being, and a boost to focus and memory. If you’re experiencing chemo brain, mindfulness might help you to feel a little bit better. There are several lovely books on mindfulness that are accessible and simple to understand – perfect if you’re trying mindfulness for the first time, or re-starting your personal practice.

Ask For Help

Don’t be frightened to ask for help, even if you’re not used to needing or asking for it. Accept all offers of help, especially when it comes to accepting meals. And if you’re finding it difficult to request what you need, confide in a close friend or loved one and ask them to help you coordinate efforts between your friends and family. Sometimes it’s easier to leave the organizing to someone else, and your community will appreciate knowing exactly what – and how – you need to be supported.

Above All, Be Kind to Yourself

However you do it, taking the time to care for yourself is an important part of well-being and recovery. Self-care during cancer isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessary part of your happiness and health.

Enjoy the process of finding out what feels nice to you, and then ask for the support you need to incorporate those activities into your daily routine. Remember: you matter, and your needs matter, even as you’re managing a cancer diagnosis.


Sources

https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/about/focus-on-cancer/2018/october/self-care-during-cancer#:~:text=Self%2Dcare%20during%20cancer%20treatment,overload%20and%20help%20build%20focus.

http://www.truehealthcfm.com/blog/self-care-and-spiritual-wellness-for-those-with-cancer

https://cancer.livebetterwith.com/blogs/cancer/self-care-with-cancer

Amputee Coalition of Canada - Support Programs
The Amputee Coalition of Canada currently offers two proven and copyrighted programs at no charge to Canadians who have suffered limb loss.
Website
1-855-456-0267
info@amputes-amputee.org
It Starts With Me
Online resource introducing Canadians to clinical trials, including how to find a suitable clinical trial, what to know before applying, and what to expect as a result.
Website
406-541-2036
n2@n2canada.ca
Inspire.com – Soft Tissue Sarcoma Support Group
Inspire connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration. This group is specifically for those with a sarcoma diagnosis.
Website
800-945-0381
team@inspire.com
Ability Online
Provides fee and secure monitored online support community linking children, youth and young adults with disabilities or long-term illness to other kids and adults who care. They offer monitored topical discussion threads, chat facilities, and games/activities. Based out of Etobicoke, Ontario, but open to those across Canada.
Website
866-650-6207
information@abilityonline.org
Wellspring
Wellsprings is a network centre that provides emotional and psychological support free of charge to individuals and families living with cancer. Programs are offered across the country.
Website
877-499-9904
Look Good… Feel Better
A free, two-hour hands-on workshop in which women whose appearance has been affected by cancer and cancer treatment learn how to look and feel a little more like themselves again. Located in over 100 hospital and cancer care facilities across Canada.
Website
(905) 890-5161, 1-800-914-5665
lgfb@lgfb.ca
Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
Connects Canadians to online services, information and resources for cancer control.
Website
416-915-9222, 1-877-360-1665
info@partnershipagainstcancer.ca
Life Raft Group
Patient support organization for people with GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumour), as well as their family and friends.
Website
Guelph, Ontario
1-855- LRG-GIST (1-855- 574-4478)
info@liferaftgroup.ca
Cancer Chat Canada
Professionally facilitated online group to support people affected by cancer.
Meet once per week for up to 90 minutes in a live “chat” room on the Internet. Most of the groups meet for 10-12 weeks.
Website
Young Adult Cancer Canada
YACC’s Mission is to build a community of young adults diagnosed with cancer that provides information, support, skills and opportunity.
Website
Based in St John’s, NFL. Second office in Halifax, NS
709-579-7325 or toll free at 1- 877-571-7325
connect@youngadultcancer.ca
Wellspring Edmonton Supportive Care
Wellspring provides peer support from trained volunteers who are cancer survivors or have been caregivers to a person with cancer. A Chaplain in Residence is also available to meet with those who are interested. Wellspring supports, informs, and empowers those diagnosed with cancer by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption, and practical problems cancer can bring to their lives.
Website
11306 65 Ave NW, Edmonton, T6H 2Z8
780-758-4433
info@wellspringalberta.ca
Localife Edmonton - Young Adult Cancer Canada
Localife is a peer-led, activity-based group where young adult cancer survivors enjoy fun activities and connect with their survivor peers.
Website
localifeedmonton@youngadultcancer.ca
Localife Calgary - Young Adult Cancer Canada
Localife is a peer-led, activity-based group where young adult cancer survivors enjoy fun activities and connect with their survivor peers.
Website
localifecalgary@youngadultcancer.ca
Tom Baker Cancer Centre
The Tom Baker Cancer Centre is southern Alberta’s own tertiary cancer centre and a leader in innovative cancer research, prevention, treatment and care initiatives across the province and beyond. At this time they are offering online classes only.
Website
1331 29 Street NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2
403-521-3723 or toll free at 1-866-412-4222
acfonline@albertacancer.ca
Camp Quality Alberta
Camp Quality Alberta provides a week-long camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer (receiving treatment or in remission) and their families.
When: Annually, during the summer
Website
Camp Quality Alberta also accepts campers from British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
1-866-738-8011
info@campquality.org
Wellspring Calgary Supportive Care
Wellspring provides peer support from trained volunteers who are cancer survivors or have been caregivers to a person with cancer. A Chaplain in Residence is also available to meet with those who are interested. Wellspring supports, informs, and empowers those diagnosed with cancer by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption, and practical problems cancer can bring to their lives.
Website
#1404, Home Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 1G7
1-866-682-3135
info@wellspringcalgary.ca
Hope and Cope Pastoral Support Group
The guiding principal of this group is respect for one another’s individual life journey in illness.
When: First Thursday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, March to November.
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Website
(902) 438-4374