Orientation in a New Reality is about self-care in the midst of cancer. Before diving into research and evaluating treatments, providers, and facilities, you need to find some calm, fluidity, groundedness, and support in your world turned upside down.
1. Find Ways to Relax and Resource Yourself
In the shocking aftermath of a cancer diagnosis, crossroads, and transitions during the cancer journey, the first step is to find ways to relax and resource yourself. Take deep breaths and feel your feet on the ground.
What is nurturing for you? Reflect on this very important question. Explore content in our Body, Mind, and Spirit sections as well as other information throughout the EmbodiWorks website to learn about supportive integrative cancer care approaches. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, healing touch, exercise, yoga, movement, breathing, meditation, other calming techniques, healing environments, ritual, additional spirituality tools, and many other therapies and practices can help you relax and resource yourself. Prioritize the ways you identify to nurture yourself. Tune into how you are feeling moment-to-moment and day-to-day and week-to-week to assess what you need most.
Techniques supporting self-integration are essential. Research indicates that people temporarily lose everyday basic skills when diagnosed with cancer—communication skills, information seeking, decision-making, problem solving, negotiation, and speaking up for rights. Use integrative cancer care approaches for relaxation before proceeding in your process. Some measure of calm must be felt so that you can access and utilize the skills you possess for evaluation and navigation of your health challenge and journey.
2. Focus on what you Enjoy
Think about what you enjoy most. Maybe your passions are integrated into your life already or perhaps you need to reclaim them. It is never too late to rediscover or discover what means the most to you. The people, activities, places, and anything else that brings you joy will help ground you in yourself and give you strength as you navigate your cancer related challenges. Focusing your attention on what you love will bring light to your spirit and life.
3. Evaluate and Identify Forms of Support
People with cancer need support. Specific types of support are wide and varied. A loving hand, shared cup of tea, healthy meal, playful excursion, running errands, massage, research about the diagnosis and treatments, and a companion at appointments are some possibilities. Identify what forms of support you need and ask for help. Some of your support can be coordinated through Internet programs in Online Circles of Cancer Support.
Consider your needs around psychological, psychosocial, and psychospiritual support through information in the Mind, Spirit, and Social sections of the EmbodiWorks website. Tune into how you are feeling and explore your mind-body-spirit needs. Explore if you want to talk to a trained oncology social worker or other type of therapist, check out an in-person, telephone, or online support group, and/or connect with a cancer survivor that can offer support and share resources. Find what works for you.
4. Consider how you want to Participate in Research and Decision-Making
How do you want to participate in your research and health care decision-making?
Do you want research conducted and decisions made
- by your doctor?
- as a team with your doctor and loved ones?
- by yourself?
- by a loved one?
- by a professional Integrative Guide?
- through a combination of these approaches?
Realizing what you are most comfortable with is very helpful. Approaches may evolve during your cancer journey.
Also read Social Tips for People with Cancer with insightful guidance. Understanding common relationship challenges and solutions offers helpful information to enhance self-awareness and strengthen meaningful connections.
Now go to Step 2: Research for more information.
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