“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” “Cancer is a word, not a sentence.” “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.”
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." "Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle." "You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice."
In contrast to the emotive language of 'battles' and 'victims', many of the readers we asked prefer to talk about their cancer using simple factual language. 'I tend to prefer terms such as “living with cancer” and “recovering from cancer treatment”,' says Vicky.
“I often hear from patients that they want to maintain a sense of normalcy during cancer treatment,” she says. “So creating a cancer care package that includes their favorite games or books, snacks or a warm blanket is a great option.”
So, get plenty of rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard, even if you feel good. Be patient with yourself and others since it may take some time to get back to your regular energy levels. And, remember that it's OK to ask for help so that you can take it easy.
Instead of hearing “What can I do?” cancer patients want to hear that you already have a specific task in mind. Many cancer patients will decline needing help when they are asked the broad question “What can I help with?” Choose something specific and get started on it.
Give them the courage and strength to fight another day and grant us the grace to use our pain to reach out with help and support. Dear Lord, we ask with all or our heart, please touch these special lives. Bless them with courage and hope, may all find solace in your loving embrace. Heal them in body, mind, and spirit.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” “When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.” “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
1. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Gandhi. “Live for what's worth dying for, and leverage technology to create the world you wish to see.”
touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul and spirit. Cover me with the most precious blood of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.
Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen.
Patients want to get healthy, lose weight, and take action to prevent a recurrence. Information on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is an important part of cancer survivorship. This affords patients some control of their own and provides new ways to care for their health.
