After Cancer. . .Superstitions and Tips for Moving On

Recently, I got an email from Jeanie who was struggling with her superstitions and her practicality about getting rid of “cancer stuff” after cancer treatment.  She asked if I struggled with this.  OH MY, I SURE DID!  That means if she and I both struggled, chances are you did or will too!

Based on my own experience, this is what I did to help move me along and get unstuck after cancer treatment.  It is such an emotional time.   One gal who had been through so much said to tell people you are “in recovery”.  I liked that phrase because for some breast cancer survivors, “in recovery” can be a very long process.  To help my recovery, these are a few simple things I did that made a world of difference for me.  Perhaps some of the suggestions will help you.

1)  I donated some used and some new items like my wig to a cancer center.  They were happy to receive it, and I felt so good about doing it.

2)  I boxed up my favorite wig and numerous favorite chemo caps and put them away for safekeeping in the top of my closet where I cannot see them. I gave as little thought as possible to what use they will be – I kept them because I liked them.   This kept the superstitions away.  Just get them out of your sight!  Once you do it, you will forget them!

3)  Get one tote or box and put all of your cancer paperwork in it – and put it away.  Mine is in my attic.  I’ve only had to access it once during tax time.

4)  If you are new to cancer treatment, make sure to keep a journal of all doctor appointments.  When tax time came, I had a list of the 127 medical appointments I had within one year and the fact that I had driven 5,725 miles to those appointments.  I was able to deduct mileage on my income taxes for this.

5)  I moved my bed from the “sick” position.  This helped me get rid of those sick thoughts!  I could not believe the difference moving my bed to a different wall made!

6)  I  vowed  during chemo if I lived I was buying a new couch since I lived on my old couch during chemo.  Mine was 14 years old and still pretty darn good, but once I got the new couch, it made me feel so much better.

I realize it isn’t always practical to buy a new couch, but perhaps you can get some new pillows or throw blanket to change up those old feelings.  Some people lived in a recliner – get a new colorful throw and move it from the sick position in your room to a new location!  It makes a HUGE difference!

7)  I moved all of my decorations and wall hangings around in my house that I used to stare at all the while I was so sick.  Moving this stuff around, putting it in other rooms in my house, etc., and just redecorating with what I had,  really changed up the sick energy of my home!  I also bought some HAPPY CURTAINS from JC Penney!  They have pizzazz and they helped me get rid of the staring at those old blah curtains while I was so sick!  Aren’t they cute?

The only thing that is still in the same place are the stencilled words “We Can Cure You” spoken to me by my breast surgeon, Dr. Tara Breslin.  I say those words every day and thank God for Dr. Breslin’s wisdom and encouragement.  And I keep my Courage Sign and Survivor Sign in sight.  These words meant so much to me during treatment that I  had these words made into Subway Signs and now sell them in my online store www.hellocourage.com to bring inspiration to others.   The Courage Sign inspires me every day because that is what got me through.  And the Survivor Sign teaches me what I need to continue doing to be the NEW me – a thriving Cancer Survivor!  Click on signs for details!  And check out my cute winter hats and jewelry – you don’t have to be in treatment to wear them!      Denise