So You Survived Cancer..Now What? 3 Transformative Steps to Help You Heal
I remember my last chemo treatment. Of course I was happy, grateful, relieved, but also totally numb and in disbelief of what I just went through. I didn’t want to ring the bell (no offense to anyone that did!), I didn’t want to “celebrate”, and I didn’t want any pictures taken of me. In fact, I remember being in the elevator at Northwestern Hospital, my in-laws and husband to the right of me, and my dad to the left of me, and he was trying to take a picture to mark this grateful/glorious moment and I cringed and screamed “NO”!
I didn’t want to see pictures of myself and what I looked like, I didn’t want to “mark this moment”, I didn’t want to remember any of it. Throughout my treatments, I tried so hard to forge through, stay strong, stay positive, stay focused, and that is exactly where my head was at post cancer. I remember feeling like I was in a fog and thinking: What now? What do I do? How do I feel?
So if anyone is experiencing this- I hear you, I support you, and I have been there. Here are some quick tips to help you through this foggy, traumatic, transitional time in your life.
1. Check- In
It is so important to listen to our bodies and check in with ourselves. Over the next few weeks, when you wake up in the morning, make note of how you feel. Take a minute and do some deep breathing, check in with your body and ask yourself these questions: Where is there pain? Do I feel rested? Where does my body feel good/not so good? Then check in with yourself mentally and emotionally as well. You can ask yourself: How do I feel today/this hour/this moment. Is there anxiety? Disbelief? Mental Fatigue? And really try to be honest with yourself. You can even grab a journal, and jot down some notes. In fact, keeping a running log for a few months can really help you see any patterns in your health, energy levels, sleep, etc. And it allows you to really tune into your body to begin understanding what it needs to heal.
2. Nourishment
So you literally have just been through a battle. Your body is tired, exhausted, healing, and recovering all at the same time. And the truth is, our bodies are incredible at doing so. But now it’s the time for you to rebuild your health and nourish your body (and mind) fully. For example, really try to eat whole foods that nourish you; food is medicinal and what you put into your body is extremely important (always) but especially in a state of recovery. In fact, let your cravings guide you, they can really be a window into what your body is needing at this time. This is essential for energy levels and good sleep. And remember to REST. Sleep is a powerful healing tool that we should take seriously and prioritize. Not only does it help rebalance our hormones, but it is the time when the MOST healing occurs.
3. GRACE it to you make IT
That’s right, give yourself some GRACE. Easier said than done- I KNOW. I’m sure a lot of you out there just want to “get back to life”, feel “normal” again, and return to the “you” you were before the diagnosis. And there is nothing wrong with that, in fact that can be a great motivator and coping mechanism. However, it is important to remember to meet yourself where you are TODAY. Remember that recovery (especially from chemo, cancer, radiation) will be a marathon, not a sprint. Let patience, grace, and understanding guide you through your journey. You may take 3 steps forward and 2 steps back and that’s OK. Give yourself grace, pat yourself on the back, and remember that you are a complete BADASS. You survived the worst, and you deserve the grace you desire.
THE TAKEAWAY
If there is one thing I want you to remember as you start your recovery process, it is that you are NOT alone. Also, that everything you are feeling (physically, emotionally, mentally) is valid, real, and OK. Let yourself process what it needs to, and you will begin to move forward. Checking in with yourself, providing yourself with proper nourishment, and giving yourself grace will help you as you transform.
*Check out my programs if you need any additional support on nutrition, gut issues, rebuilding your immunity/body, etc. I can work with you one-on-one to help you get back to feeling better than you have ever felt before. And that is what you deserve!