How to Get Through Cancer: Honest Tips From Survivors

10 Tips for Cancer Patients

Cancer is a small word with scary consequences.

It is overwhelming when you are first told you have cancer. You might not know how to process the information or how you are going to get through it. We have gathered top tips from people who have been where you are now and come out the other side.

We hope these tips help you on your journey through this dickhead of a disease.

1. Be Understanding and Patient With Yourself

There is no right way to do cancer. Some days you might feel like you can take on the world and there is no way cancer is going to beat you. Other days you will want to hide under the covers and give up. Both are completely valid.

You will have good days and bad days, and it is absolutely okay to let yourself rest on the bad ones.

2. You Are Not Alone

It can be hard to ask for help, especially if you are used to being independent. Just remember that the people around you want to help. They feel helpless in the face of your diagnosis, and by accepting their help you are giving them a way to feel useful. It really is a win-win.

3. Accept That Some Days You Will Not Feel Like Doing Anything

Do not pressure yourself to power through the day if all you can manage is the sofa and Netflix. You can make plans with friends and family, but make sure they know you may need to change them if you are not feeling up to it on the day. Good people will understand.

4. Keep Active

While we have just given you full permission to rest, research has consistently shown that exercise can greatly improve both mental and physical health during treatment.

Try to incorporate some movement into your daily routine. This could be a 30-minute walk or a gentle aqua aerobics class. There will be days when it is not possible, but on the days you can move your body you are giving yourself the best chance of avoiding post-treatment fatigue, maintaining heart and lung fitness, and reducing anxiety and depression.

Consider investing in a pedometer or fitness tracker such as a Fitbit to keep you motivated and track your progress.

5. Keep Informed, But Not Obsessed

This is a hard one because Dr Google is very tempting.

Educate yourself, but make sure you are accessing reputable sources. There is a lot of misinformation about cancer online, and falling down the wrong rabbit hole can add unnecessary anxiety or lead you towards dodgy so-called cures. Stick to reputable sites and organisations dedicated to supporting people with cancer.

6. Take It One Day at a Time

There is so much unknown with cancer and everyone's experience is different. Do not worry twice. Deal with the information you have right now and process that. Do not add extra stress by worrying about things that may or may not happen two months from now.

7. Breathe

There is so much to take in and the first few weeks after a diagnosis can be completely overwhelming. Give yourself time and space to breathe and process what is happening. Make decisions based on the information you have, with the support of people you trust, at a pace that works for you.

8. Do Not Be Afraid to Seek Multiple Opinions

It is your body and you know it better than anyone else. Before, during and after treatment, if something does not feel right you are absolutely within your rights to seek a second or third opinion. A good medical team will respect this.

9. Let Go of the Silly Things Well-Meaning People Say

People will say silly things. Cancer is scary and people often do not know what to say or how to act around someone who is unwell. If someone is generally a good person with good intentions, try not to hold onto the hurt or anger when they put their foot in it. They probably did not mean it, and your energy is far better spent on healing.

That said, if someone is simply being unkind, it is completely okay to protect yourself during this time by removing yourself from their company.

10. Focus on What You Can Control

Feelings of helplessness are very common with a cancer diagnosis. There is a lot you cannot control, and you will need to put a great deal of trust in your medical team. But there are things that are still in your hands.

Your happiness. Find joy in the everyday and treat yourself to things you enjoy. This could be a five-star holiday, a walk in the bush or a cup of tea with a good friend.

Your diet. Ask for a referral to a nutritionist and nourish your body with good food. Do not be afraid to have the occasional treat if that is what makes you happy.

Your movement. Exercise is by far the best complementary support for your cancer treatment. Keep active as much as you can, while allowing yourself to rest and recover when you need to.

Bonus Tip: Get Mental Health Support

A good counsellor or psychologist will be worth their weight in gold during your treatment. Ask your GP or oncologist for a referral to a professional with experience in supporting cancer patients.

An experienced counsellor can help you process your thoughts, remind you that you are not alone in what you are feeling, and give you a valuable outlet for the things you do not feel comfortable saying to the people closest to you.

There are also many support groups available. Ask your medical team for a recommendation based on your specific cancer type.

If you find yourself needing to talk to someone after reading this article you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or The Cancer Council on 13 11 20