Strategies for Your Diagnosis
- Know that the diagnosis may be beyond your control, but how you respond is not.
- Recognize that you are not responsible for this disease and let go of any regrets about things you could have done differently.
- Find doctors (especially your oncologist) you trust with your life, and make sure they are compatible with your personality and style -- this may be a very long relationship.
- Learn and understand your treatment options; consider getting a second opinion if needed or for peace of mind.
- Bring someone with you (in-person or virtually) to your appointments to take notes, be your second set of ears, and ask questions. Having company at your treatments is helpful.
Strategies for Your Healing
- Consider complementary therapies to heal your mind and spirit, such as yoga, aromatherapy, meditation, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and massage.
- Know that you don’t have to be strong for everybody else around you.
- Allow yourself to fully feel whatever emotions come along, whenever they come along.
- Celebrate the successes along the way.
- Consider what type of support you need and how others who have been there before you can offer strength, advice, and encouragement. Let others know your needs.
- Consider writing a journal; it can be very healing. Keep friends and family updated with an online journal or blog.
Ways to Prioritize YOU
Restoring health should be the top priority, and it is okay to prioritize yourself and allow support from friends and family.
- Increase your positive emotions ... we are usually stretched thin by demands on our time. We nurture and care for everyone else but fail to make ourselves a priority. It’s time to put YOU on the calendar and make a date for fun!
- Release suppressed emotions ... get rid of the fear and then take action.
- Take control of your health ... knowledge is power, so kudos to you for reading this Guide and implementing some risk reduction and prevention strategies. Don’t stop here; learn all you can to protect your overall health.
- Have strong reasons to live ... determine your personal "why" in life and visualize it each day. Deepen spiritual connections: incorporate mind, body, and spirit into your everyday life. Spend time reflecting and embracing an attitude of gratitude.
H4TG offers: Hope, Inspiration, and Power. We are here to help you find the best support to meet you where you are on your journey. Please contact us at: support@hereforthegirls.org.