Life after Cancer

Do you feel constant distress? Sadness? Self-consciousness? Anger? A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can leave both physical and emotional scars.

So those feelings you feel; they’re completely normal for a cancer survivor.

And even though you may not believe it, those feelings are actually within your control. 

That’s why it’s important to acknowledge the emotions that you’re feeling right now. Because by changing your choices and taking a few different steps, you can overcome your bundle of emotions and start enjoying life again.

Not sure where to start?

Well, here’s 5 simple tips on how you can start to move on with your life.

1. Exercise, exercise, exercise

Fear of recurrence is common for cancer survivors, no matter how long it’s been. 

But you can overcome your fear and put an end to it once and for all. How? Well, it might not sound so exciting at first, but exercise is the answer.

Have you heard the saying what affects the body affects the mind, and what affects the mind affects the body? Well, it’s true. And that’s why I enjoy collaborating with other health professionals like Rebecca Lines from On the Move Pilates, because a qualified cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist like Rebecca can help guide you through the steps to regain your physical health and wellbeing.

Rebecca’s passionate about supporting people to move on from a cancer diagnosis and helping them achieve their best physical health possible.

“Exercise plays a major role in improving your health outcomes after cancer. And with our professional support and guidance, you’ll be able to participate in safe, appropriate and enjoyable exercise in a comfortable, inclusive environment.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how On the Move Pilates can help you regain your physical health, please visit our website, or email us at onthemovepilates.physio@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you and help you rediscover the life you love.”

2. Express your feelings

Are you feeling overwhelmed with emotions that are affecting your ability to get through your day?

It may be that you find it difficult to talk about your mental health problems, whether it be because it’s a foreign concept amongst your family and friends, or perhaps you feel as if you should be “strong” or “brave” and so keep it to yourself.

But being open and dealing with your emotions can help you let go of those negative feelings building up inside you. And don’t feel “wrong” for feeling a certain way.

So, how can you express your feelings?

If you feel comfortable, talk to friends or family or other cancer survivors. Or, if you don’t feel like talking, get yourself a journal and express your feelings on paper.

Why?

Because sharing how you feel is just as important for your mental wellbeing as sharing how you physically feel.  

But sometimes, even with all your effort, it can feel like you need extra support to move past a cancer diagnosis and let the trauma of the past go. And if you need professional support to help you move on with life, that’s where I can help.

3. Work towards a positive attitude

Having a positive attitude means looking for the good, even during the bad times or staying hopeful rather than thinking the worst. Be a glass-half-full kind of person!

Take time to grieve for what you’ve lost because you don’t need to be happy all the time. But also learn to focus on the way cancer has made you a stronger person. Realise you’re more than the scars that cancer has left behind, and most importantly, don’t blame yourself for cancer.

Use your energy to focus on staying healthy, building your self-esteem, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Imagine being able to live a happy, fulfilled life, free from the emotional trauma of your past. I know that right now, it might feel impossible, but trust me, it can happen because I’ve helped many people, just like you, transform their lives following a cancer diagnosis and leave the past trauma behind, for good!

4. Get out and about

Does your mind buzz with emotions and thoughts all day long?

Don’t let it consume you. Get out of the house and focus on other things besides cancer and the worries it brings.

Explore your hobbies, take part in clubs or classes, or go to that weekly social event that you’ve always thought about joining. And ask some friends or family to tag along with you if you don’t want to go alone. Because while you explore the joys of life, there’ll be no room for any negative thoughts.

Ask yourself, are you really going to let cancer be the reason why you can’t do the things you love?

5. Live in the present

I know it can be easy to think of the “what ifs” in life continuously. But, quite simply, there’s no easier way to move past the bugging thoughts than to take in the present moment. I won’t lie; it’s hard, but try to stop thinking about the uncertain future or the difficult journey you’ve been on.

Find a way to feel peaceful in the present time, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day.

That peace you find within yourself may be the beginning of your journey in finding peace in everything else.

But what if I can’t move on?

The first and most important thing to remember is that it’s okay to seek professional help.

Seeking professional support can help you move on both physically and emotionally so that you can start enjoying life again. Because sometimes, no matter how much you try or how much you want to overcome the past, you might feel as though you’re fighting an uphill battle.

So don’t just cope with life … live it! As you know only too well, you only get one go, so isn’t it time to move on and live the life you want and deserve? Take the first step in transforming your life by having a confidential chat with me at carol@moveoncounselling.com.au, or give me a call on 0429 922 765, because I’d love to hear from you.