How Do You Deal with Roadblocks on the Cancer Journey?

Life with cancer is filled with ups and downs, but how do you deal with the roadblocks that are placed in your way? We recently asked CURE®’s social media audience how they coped with setbacks in their cancer journey. Here are some of their responses:

“Everyone is different. So is their journey.” — VL

“Keep things in perspective. Things that are controllable are your responses to the roadblocks, not the roadblock itself. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness are helpful, as cliché as it may sound. The mind is a powerful tool.” — KW

“Ask for help; create a team of caregivers; don't be afraid to see a therapist or mental health professional; go to the movies as often as possible; surround yourself with people that make you laugh.” — LHH

“Our metastatic online support groups are awesome and helpful.” — MJB

“Keeping a positive attitude as much as possible. Working through the bad days, no matter how hard it seems.” — MM

“Knock them over. Drive around them. Face them head on. But never go in reverse. This ****storm called cancer will either make you or break you. Don’t let it be the latter.” — BA

“Set up goals for your future dreams and then keep yourself focused on that horizon as much as possible. That will help to maintain hope, which gives you strength to get through the toughest parts.” — RO

“Just keep on living. Spend time with the people and doing the things that bring you joy. Live without regret.” — DV

“One's cancer journey is not meant to be a solo journey, but needs a support system — medical professionals, family, others with a cancer diagnosis history — and making use of all the material that is available for everyone. There are many excellent materials available including the CURE® publication, which I describe as that with up-to-date information on a professional level but written in the layperson’s language … One should not hibernate from the cancer but become involved with learning all one can.” — LSS

“Stay positive, talk with people that know what it's about, and pray.” — JI

“I continued to make new friends and keep my hobbies and interests. I have cancer but I don't have to make it my identity.” — JK

“Never back down.” — AN

“Celebrate the little victories/successes. Then when you have a roadblock you have some positives to reflect on. Use your support system. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help. My mom and I were reminded once by a medical social worker it’s OK to cry. A little cry can help let go of some emotions so that you are able to move forward.” — KBK

“Staying positive is what got me through it. I never had a doubt that I wouldn’t be OK. As hard as it got and as much as chemo sucked, I had my husband and family by my side and my positives thoughts in my head ... and here I am.” — DDG

“My spouse is my rock! Without her, I do not know what I would do. I share all my thoughts and feelings with her. She may not have the answers, but it feels good to talk about my fears, etc.” — BR

“When I was diagnosed, I got angry. I made up my mind that it wouldn’t defeat me. That was my attitude about cancer the entire time. It worked for me.” — SGD

“Be kind and gentle to/with yourself. Treat yourself like you would treat someone you care about.” — CL