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A cancer diagnosis permanently changes life’s direction. Once we accept that our life path has forever shifted, we will move easily beyond the sense of panicked urgency and anxiety that a cancer diagnosis represents.

The first priority is to calm ourselves down. Cancer is not a death sentence. Acting swiftly — without taking adequate time to research treatment options — may result in decisions that are not in our best long-term interest. Resist giving into panic and jumping into treatment before obtaining all the information necessary to make a reasonable choice. Also, know that not feeling like yourself and not knowing what will happen next is normal.

Enlist the support of everyone you know. The cancer journey requires traveling companions who will walk with you every step of the way. Be humble and ask for help. Having cancer is not something to be embarrassed about or hide from others. Denial will only block the speed and efficacy of our healing. Allow this healing crisis to bring us closer to friends and family. They want and need to feel helpful, not helpless. Give them jobs like helping with chores and errands or discovering which medical, financial, emotional and supportive resources are available.

Talk to other cancer survivors, read as much as possible and meet with any necessary specialists. In addition, seek out a trusted and reliable general practitioner who will be concerned with all aspects of our health, not just the cancer. Consider consulting with Chinese, Ayurvedic, homeopathic and naturopathic doctors or various other energy medicine practitioners. Western medicine is not the only method of treating cancer. Finally, check in with your body and your emotions to see if a prescribed procedure or treatment feels right. At the end of the day, the responsibility for our health lies with us, not with doctors, family or insurance company.

Once our treatment plan is made, we must learn to live with it. Most cancer treatments are harsh and it’s easy to question decisions involving pain or discomfort. Yet, no amount of regret or worry will undo the decisions.

Maintain stamina for the difficulties of the road ahead. Exhaustion slows down healing, so make rest a regular part of the routine. Give as much time and space as is needed to take care of yourself. There are no time limits. Each person’s experience is unique. Healing is a time to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Surrender to the healing process. Engage in all possible ways to relax and take care of the body and emotions. Get bodywork, eat well and talk to a counselor if you are struggling emotionally. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

During treatment, discover what brings joy and avoid negativity. When dealing with cancer, humor is a necessity. Depression weakens the immune system. Turn off the news, watch funny videos, read the comics every day and be sure to laugh — even at your own bald head.

Cancer can be scary, but it’s important to be straightforward and tell the truth to loved ones, including children and elderly family members. Protecting them from reality is not our job and only deprives them of learning and loving opportunities.

Learn about the inner self as we journey along this cancer road. When changes happen in the body — even cancer — the body is trying to communicate something to us on a deeper level. Our body is the barometer of our emotions, and emotions connect us to our soul. What does the soul want? Take the time to find out by writing in a journal, reading introspective books, meditating, praying or exploring spiritual counseling. Use this cancer journey as a stepping-off point for uncovering your own needs and desires.

Healing from cancer is not the destination, but a lifetime journey. And like all epic journeys, it begins with a single step into the great unknown. Embrace that step and embark with the knowledge that cancer — if we allow it — will shift the focus from the mundane details of everyday life to the infinite beauty
of this human experience.

Kerri Geary has survived primary breast cancer twice. She has a Healing Guidance practice located at Healing Gardens, 315 Canyon Avenue offering numerous types of support. 970-493-4448.