Tips for Survivors

DeAnna's Tips for

Surviving and Thriving Your Diagnosis and Treatment

1. You are not alone.

2. Cancer is not a death sentence.

3. You will probably feel crappy... "not always and not definitely".

4. Eat what you want. If you have an appetite EAT. Personally I lived on Jamba Juice fresh fruit smoothies and cut fresh fruit.

Your job is to get through all of this. If you feel like eating, EAT, whatever it is.

5. You may experience moderate to severe heartburn or indigestion. Talk to your oncologist as they can prescribe something to help that.

6. If you begin to experience feelings beyond fear and sadness that are heading toward depression, talk to your oncologist. Many treatment centers have counselors on staff. If not, find someone to talk to. Someone who will listen. Someone who can help you but not try to solve all of your problems or tell you how you should feel.

If your depression isn't alleviated through talk, please talk to your doctor about an anti depressant. These are not normal times. Your mind and body are being bombarded by chemicals, surgeries, and drugs. Don't forget this is all temporary!! If you need help to get through this via an anti depressant, ask.

It is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength and courage. You must stop yourself from going into a depressed state.

7. Find something you are passionate about. Do you love photography? Capture beautiful things, whatever makes your heart sing...flowers, faces, water, landscapes, whatever! How about redecorating? Watch HGTV. Make plans to redecorate a room. Scrapbooking? Make books or pages for your friends.

Become involved in your favorite organization. Some days you may not be feeling well, but don't let those days stop you from volunteering. Only take on things you can handle.

Is something tugging at your heart? For me I wanted to collect shoes for the homeless in Los Angeles. It hurt me to see them with no shoes or shoes that were so badly worn their feet were sticking out. What tugs at you?

Do something that is bigger than you.

8. Stay off the internet!!!! Just because it is on the internet doesn't mean it's true. Do not look up things from search engines about your diagnosis or treatments.

Ask your doctors or coach for trusted sites that won't overwhelm you with unproven, often false claims.

9. You did nothing to "deserve" this. It is not a "punishment". It just is. If there are lifestyle habits you need to change, do it. But you did not think your way into a cancer. Cancer is a matter of science of your genes and how they respond to cell growth and many, many different things.

10. Surround yourself with positive, happy music, movies, TV shows and people.

Always monitor what is going into your brain. This is a very important step in your happiness. Do not allow negative people or thoughts to creep into your mind. Now is the time to laugh and to finally watch those silly movies you've been putting off.

My top 10 list of movies include...

1. Wild Hogs

2. Princess Bride

3. Freaky Friday

4. The Game Plan

5. Finding Nemo (anything Disney)

6. Ferris Buellers Day Off

7. Monster in Law

8. Meet the Parents

9. 50 First Dates (any romantic comedy with Drew Barrymore or Adam Sandler)

10. Spongebob...

Okay like I said mindless, funny things that don't make you think too much.