Psychosocial

On social media, CURE® recently asked its readers to share some tips for others for coping with roadblocks they might experience on their cancer journey. Here, we share some of their responses.

Life can be ridiculous, one survivor writes.

While it may seem beneficial to attach ourselves to the memories of our pre-cancer existence, it does little to help us focus on the here and now.

Anxiety, fear and panic may be some of the most difficult feelings to manage during cancer treatment. Here are some ways of dealing with these emotions to make you feel better.

What had eluded my wife and I, and not without great consequence, was the damage cancer had inflicted upon our apartment. Years and years of trauma, PTSD triggers, and bone-chilling memories had snuck in and festered around us like cockroaches.

On social media, CURE® recently asked its readers to share how they cope with anxiety leading up to their next scans. Here, we share some of their responses.

After a traumatic event, such as breast cancer, it's important for a person to self-monitor. Feelings of anxiety or depression can be debilitating, but there's no reason to suffer in silence.

That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach is familiar to those who have heard the words "you have cancer". Telling someone not to worry post treatment can be like telling them to not breathe. Listening is more productive than telling survivors not to worry.

Although I was never a member of a sorority in the traditional sense, having breast cancer has put me into a sorority of women (and a few men) and created lifelong freidnships.

A colon cancer survivor reflects on receiving her first diagnosis as a high school student, and offers current students whose academic careers have been altered by COVID-19 some advice on how they'll get through the missed experiences.

A metastatic breast cancer survivor notes that It takes bravery to choose friends with cancer, but she stresses that the love and joy that comes with those friendships far outweigh the potential grief.

I asked fellow patients with cancer and survivors on Twitter for advice on coping strategies to combat "Scanxiety" and some suggested making a conscious attempt to not let anxiety ruin the days leading up to your next scan. I gave it a shot, and it worked.

One cancer survivor finds health and healing in the gift of music.

A 10-year breast cancer, and six-year melanoma survivor reassures other survivors that they are not alone if they are struggling with anxiety, depression or PTSD years after their cancer treatments have ended.

As I walk around the senior community that I live in, I notice the stark reminders that life is an impermanent adventure.

An author who journaled while homebound after cancer treatment has created a book of writing prompts for those who are staying put during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring your story can bring awareness and closure — and help you love this new version of yourself.

A cancer survivor reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic can feel exhausting but notes that we can still persevere.

It's important to celebrate the mini-victories along the cancer journey, whether it's with your favorite food or a small parade.

Cancer changes everything about one’s self-image, but that doesn’t mean it is a negative outcome.

A survivor of male breast cancer goes through what he wishes he knew before a breast cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Pat Basu, president and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America discusses the fear surrounding cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic and finding the right balance between what is an essential visit and what can be done using telemedicine.

“There's a lot of miscommunication and number one, I would tell them you don't need to face these decisions alone,” Dr. Pat Basu said in an interview addressing patient’s fear in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A fellow cancer survivor mourns the passing of Kathy LaTour.

“I think that when people are diagnosed with cancer, cancer really becomes their life,” Alessandra Tantawi said in a recent interview with CURE®. “And it's so hard to just have a ‘normal day’ where you can focus on anything besides cancer. And I think what's important is to spend time that is outside of the cancer treatment.”

For survivor Michele Grimes, time at home during the pandemic fosters an opportunity for reflection and growth.

A cancer journey influences how a person contemplates retirement. In my case, it inspired me to retire from teaching earlier than I had originally planned.

Takeaways from 3 months of video tele-mental-health care during cancer treatment amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Support for cancer patients and survivors comes in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes the good vibes, encouragement and positivity can go too far