The Entrapment of Cancer

A long time and wonderful friend of ours recently was diagnosed with a cancer re-occurrence and is now going through the debilitating treatment of chemotherapy and all its ramifications.

Illness always gives new meaning to each life. Granted, what I am suggesting may not work for all, but for some it will help.

First of all, talk about your feelings and fears whether it’s you or someone you love that has cancer. Ask the tough questions to the doctors and then hear and hear and hear the answers.

Do not hold back your fears to the one diagnosed or to yourself and especially let them or you talk about the fear, and worries and things that need to be said. Yes, it is tough, and it is freeing in the long run.

If the diagnosis is terminal, even though it's couched in possibilities, talk about that too. Denial is detrimental to the understanding of life and its closure.

Have truth in all conversations, for it is the pathway to internal peace for those who are dealing with the possible ending of their lives. Saying what is true does not mean giving up the fight, it means fighting what you know with knowledge and understanding. Honesty starts the physical and spiritual healing process.

Rejoice when you can. Laugh when you can, dance when you can and know that it’s OK to cry.

footnotes:

If it's a child it so much harder, but be honest.

If it's a spouse it is equally so, but be open and share worries and fears and listen.

If it's a parent, be strong, be truthful, and listen and listen some more.

If it's you, listen only to your heart. It will tell you where you are and what you need to do.