It is the most wonderful time of the year. Time to celebrate with family and friends. With all the planning, shopping, decorating, and cooking, it’s easy to become tired and overwhelmed. When cancer treatment is added to the mix, holiday stress can become unbearable. Coping with cancer during the holidays can be challenging, but there are many ways to manage the season.
If you or someone you love has cancer this holiday season, use these tips from CancerCare, an organization dedicated to providing free, professional support services including resource navigation, counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial assistance for cancer patients and their families.
- Make plans to get together with friends, family, or co-workers over the holidays. Trying to celebrate alone can be very difficult, so accept some invitations from others or join an organized group activity through local agencies or places of worship. Find the right balance between celebrating with family and friends and spending time on your own. Give yourself permission to pace your activities and decline an invitation or two so that you have the energy to enjoy the gatherings that are most important to you.
- Create a new holiday season tradition that makes the most of your energy. Change your usual holiday activities so you relieve yourself of some of the pressures of entertaining. Have a potluck, with family members each bringing a dish for the meal, have someone else host the meal, or suggest eating out at a favorite restaurant.
- Enjoy special moments. Try to focus on new traditions that have been established, rather than on how cancer has changed a holiday or special occasion.
- Talk to your healthcare team about upcoming special events. They may be flexible about appointments to accommodate travel or other needs.
- Be an innovative shopper or gift giver. Try online shopping this year. You can also make a gift of sharing your thoughts and feelings. Write a short note or make a phone call to let others know that you are thinking about them.
- Express your feelings in ways that help you receive the support of the important people in your life. Tears can bring a sense of relief. Laughter can be relaxing. Sharing can be comforting. It is common to experience a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and apprehension about the future. Let your feelings breathe, and talk them over with a loved one, friend, or professional counselor.
- Celebrate the strengths you and your loved ones have developed. Many families who face the day-to-day challenges of cancer discover strengths and courage they didn’t know they had. Reflect on the strengths you have developed, and build on them during the holidays.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, or have questions about cancer treatment options, please contact Pacific Cancer Institute today. Patient care is our top priority and will help you manage your stress while receiving effective treatment and compassionate care.