Getting your mind off of cancer over the weekend, how?

MyLungCancer

After dealing with cancer for months and months it has become what seems like a full time job. When the weekend comes I try to act just like I would normally and do things we enjoy. But I can't seem to get cancer out of my mind. How do you do it? Or can you?

cllinda

It does ease up. The first year of fighting is rough on everyone. But as you go further away from treatments it gets diminished each year. The only time I remember it now is for my six month checkups and my yearly mammogram. Other than that, I rarely think about cancer and all I went through. I'm usually too busy with the grandkids to think about it. I'm a seven year survivor.

JaneA

It's crazy, but I love to cook. I always had my infusions on Monday so by Saturday, I felt close to normal again. I would always cook bacon and eggs for Saturday morning breakfast. I'd make a special dessert and usually grill out too.

In essence, it all boils down to doing what you LOVE to do on the weekend because weekends have always been "our" time. Even though I am now retired, I still distinguish between weekdays and the weekend. I garden, cook and watercolor.

It does take some time to stop thinking about cancer, but it gets better as time goes by. But we do have to make a concerted effort to let our fears go.

LiveWithCancer

I don't consciously think about my cancer very much at all. When I do, it is just as a matter of fact - I have cancer (sort of like, I have blue eyes or two arms) ... it doesn't impact my emotions one way or the other ... unless, at times, the idea brings gratefulness - the fact that I am still here after the cancer diagnosis is praiseworthy, for sure.

I keep myself immersed in activities that I love. And, if my mind ever goes to my cancer in a way that would cause me to worry, I would notice it quickly (I hope) and consciously turn my mind to something else. (That's what I do with other stressful things in my life.)

I am completely at peace with my cancer so it doesn't take many of my thoughts. I am at peace with my destiny - whatever it might be - whether it is to continue beating the odds or to die to this world (how exciting it will be to see my Savior ... and to hug my son again!!!)

I agree with JaneA, you have to train your brain away from dwelling on worrisome things. It becomes second nature, but it isn't easy to do at first.

po18guy

Easy for me. No sign of cancer since 2015 or so. However, I strive to survive the cure, which was essentially unleashing a monster inside of me to kill the beast (stem cell transplant). Oh, and having a detached retina that cannot be lasered. Surgery in the morning. We will wait and 'see' how that goes.

Sorry.

BoiseB

For me cancer has to get in line for me to worry. Currently I am trying to make a DIY hornet trap. In fact "murder hornets are my current panic button. Then this week is the 40th anniversary of Mt. Saint Helens eruption so YouTube is full so specials on Mt. St. Helens. On a clear day I can see Mt. St Helens' twin Mt Rainier from my balcony, so I have been worrying about Volcanoes. So all these things have taken my mind off cancer and that is not a good thing. Because if I don't think about something, I don't do anything to mitigate it. Like completely changing my life style after cancer. And like getting masks to protect myself from Covid-19 and making a trap for the murder hornet if it comes back. I also prepared for an earthquake so I had plenty of TP when everyone was hoarding it. I guess the way I handle anxiety is with action. Cancer adopt a healthy lifestyle. Covid-19 wash your hands, wear a mask and avoid crowds, murder hornets make a trap. Earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters have an emergency supply.

Dianem

Like live with cancer, I don’t consciously think about the fact that I have cancer other than to know it’s part of what makes me me. It’s taught me so many lessons. My one day at a time philosophy helps me get thru the day. Also, I allow myself worry time (about everything) once in the morning and once at night. I also pray once in the morning and once at night. The rest of the time, it’s in Gods hands. And, grateful, grateful, grateful...keep strong and God bless

Paperpusher

As clinda said, that first year is a bear. Once you get past that, you have all the doctor's appointments that can make you anxious but also provide a breath of relief. My hubby is now 5 years post treatment and was supposed to have his PET scan just as things shut down. He had an URI in early February and is still coughing so yes in the back of his mind, he's wondering if it's the cancer or allergies. I have to remind him that he got allergies this time last year too. Or that he got choked the day before and his throat will be irritated. It's there but we only talk about it when necessary.

BoiseB

Dianem I also pray in the morning and at night but prayer time is one time I avoid worry. I pray a lot during the night when pain keeps me awake. I like to worry when my mind and body is most active so I can come to the best solutions and be the most focused.

SLM

I never forget I have cancer but I try very hard not to take priority. I always pray and ask, "Please help me handle this situation correctly. And show me how I can use my situation to help others." But after 3 years, I still have days I struggle as you do. Likely everyone does. What really helps me is being able to talk to someone about it bluntly and honestly. You can't do that with everyone. If you need a chat buddy, I'm your girl. You are doing a great job maneuvering this medical jungle. Don't be so hard on yourself my friend.

Bug

For me I think it's a combination of trying to focus on things I enjoy and the fact that it just takes time.