Stop Focusing on Fear

Letting go of fear during a journey with cancer can be difficult. There’s most likely a lot on your mind, including things you’re dwelling on or worrying about.

Fear can be all-consuming. It gets exhausting and impedes your healing. You may be concerned about family members, friends, your daily life, and other issues. If you go into remission, you might worry about the cancer recurring.

The key is to analyze exactly what you’re afraid of and find ways to overcome it.

Perhaps you’re not afraid of dying, you’re afraid of leaving your children. If so, you may want to ask friends to help your children in the event that you’re no longer able to. You could ask one friend to take care of your children’s needs for fitting in with their peers, another to help your spouse guide your children in their education, or a third friend to help your children’s spiritual growth. Knowing your children will have help growing up can be source of calm during the storm.

Focusing on activities that interest you can help. Read a book, make jewelry, or write in a journal. Participate in yoga, running, or meditation. Take on a hobby. Attend religious services. See a therapist. Do what it takes to shift your focus and be productive.

If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, get in touch with Chix 4 a Cause. Learn about the financial and emotional support we provide through our Gifts of Love program. Visit chix4acause.org today.

How People with Cancer Can Avoid Slips and Falls in Winter

It's important that everyone stay safe while walking outside in Winter. However, people with cancer need to be extra careful as they move about in the ice, snow, and cold. People with cancer have a higher risk of falling than the general population.

Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments can cause side effects that increase the risk of falls. Weight loss, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the feet, dizziness, changes in eyesight, or fatigue may increase the risk. Losing sensation in the feet makes it harder to find balance during challenging situations, like walking on a slippery sidewalk. Finding one’s center of gravity may be harder.

Certain behaviors suggest that a person with a history of cancer may be at greater risk for falls. For instance, they might rely on furniture and walls for support when walking inside their home. The person could trip or almost fall at various times. If they’ve fallen in the past, they might avoid busy sidewalks, the grocery store, people’s homes, or other crowded environments.

There are steps people can take to minimize the risk of falling. For instance, secure throw rugs to the floor with nonslip backing. Clear clutter from walkways. Consider installing handrails in the bathroom. Implement a plan for snow removal before it begins. Wear boots with good traction. People can talk with their doctor to see whether physical therapy might help.

Everyone should keep a cell phone on them at all times in case of a fall or other emergency. They may be able to use a smartphone app that signals a fall to emergency responders. Or, a smartwatch might have an alert system that can tell if a fall occurs and can call 911 if needed.

If a person falls, they immediately should contact their medical team to determine whether they need follow-up care or a referral to physical therapy. If so, the physical therapist will show the person exercises that promote balance, strength, stability, and strategies for safely getting up from the floor if a fall occurs.

If you or someone you know has cancer, contact Chix 4 a Cause. Learn more about the financial and emotional support we provide through our Gifts of Love program. Visit chix4acause.org today.

How to Respond When a Newly Diagnosed Person Reaches Out

As a cancer survivor, you may feel honored to provide help for a newly diagnosed person. They might reach out to ask for firsthand information because you’ve traveled the road before. Or, the person might want assurance that you’ll truthfully share information about your journey. Perhaps they need someone to walk beside them along their journey and help them feel less afraid.

Be gentle with the newly diagnosed person. It takes courage to reach out to a stranger for support. Let the person ask the questions they need. Answer them in an open, honest manner. Don’t overwhelm the person with too much information too quickly.

Spend more time listening than talking. You may pick up on things that aren’t spoken. Communicate camaraderie and understanding. Show that there is hope for the future.

If you or someone you know is battling cancer, reach out to Chix 4 a Cause. Learn more about our Gifts of Love program at chix4acause.org today.