How to Thrive During Cancer Treatment
I contemplated the title “How to stay sane during cancer treatment,” but I can tell you, although that’s what I’ve done some days, other days, I’ve done more than that. I’ve thrived. I’ve experienced pure joy. Is that possible? If we rest in God anything is, really. Although I’m not jumping for joy every day, I remain grateful and humble in the moments I feel happy and content. Here are some tips to help all you cancer survivors (Yes, if you’re alive and breathing, you are a survivor!) tackle their treatment with grace.
1 | GUARD YOUR HEART
Put on your armor
When you’re going through medical treatment, be wise to guard your heart against fear masquerading as “concerns for your health.” And all of a sudden everyone wants to mention their second cousin’s husband who chose your particular method of treatment or had your particular stage of cancer and died. These words are like daggers that can leave the spiritually unarmed person lost and fearful. That’s why we gotta suit up in our spiritual armor every day. Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to “put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
We stay armed by meditating on God’s word night and day. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the more your faith will grow, leaving those daggers of fear burnt and destroyed beneath your feet. For instance, if you know that you know that you know that you will not die but live and declare the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:17, King James Version), how can any word of man change that? God is either honest or a liar, and the Word says, “God is not a man that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19, KJV). The issue stems from whether or not we believe Him.
Be mindful of who you let pour into you
A sure-fire way to feel fear and intimidation is to listen to the words of others who are full of fear. Remember, that many people have loved ones who have battled cancer. And although they have strong opinions, those opinions may not be helpful at this time. If a person has only negative things to say about your particular treatment course of action, it may be wise to separate from them for a season. I needed to be fed only with faith and positivity during such a vulnerable time. I had to mind what I watched on television, in movies, and in songs. Believe it or not, our eyes and ears are the gateways to our hearts so we must be mindful not to fill such passageways with junk.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23, King James Version).
2 | USE YOUR AUTHORITY TO CAST OUT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
Although I know God is healing me, I still struggle with the side effects of a prescribed medication that the doctor has me take 3 days post-chemo. When I’m on this medication, I feel fidgety, on-edge, and it’s hard to focus on fine print or tasks set before me. This lack of energy and transition sometimes causes me to feel incompetent and not enough. But, I have to remind myself that I am enough. Even if I have to take a few days to recuperate, I am still worthy in God’s eyes. In my weakness, He is made strong. I find peace in that knowledge and use it to cast down all the negative lies from the enemy telling me otherwise! I know who I am in Christ–a fearfully and wonderfully made more than a conqueror.
3 | THANK GOD EVERY DAY
Yes, it might be hard, especially the days it takes an extra load of strength to get out of bed. But, God is certainly worthy of praise every moment. When we praise, we bring down strongholds. So, even when I didn’t feel like praising, I got up and praised the name of Jesus. Then, I felt peace and levity, inspiring me to praise more. It says in the word that we put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, so I literally replaced depressing thoughts with praise. It worked!
4 | GIVE YOURSELF GRACE
It is ok to let people help you. It is ok to take some time to rest and regroup. It’s ok to order in rather than cook Pinterest-worthy homemade vegan meals every other night all while trying to study for the bar exam, deal with chemo side effects, and church ministry. This was challenging for me. I wanted to don my superwoman cape and tackle the world. And although a cancer diagnosis and myriad of tests, doctor appointments, and chemo treatments won’t stop my goals, it definitely slowed them down. And that’s OK. In this season, God taught me to focus on what really mattered in life and prioritize my time. And in the quietness, I was able to hear Him more closely rather than running around like a hamster on an endless wheel to nowhere. It is amazing that in that quiet stillness, I could finally feel peace and confidence that would allow me to conquer life’s obligations from a clearer head space.
So, I allowed my family to help me watch my daughter and told guilt to take a back seat. And I do my best to not compare myself to picture-perfect social media moms. I reminded myself that it's okay to feel weak. For in my weakness, God is made strong. Further, the Word says, “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20, King James Version).
So, I had to get over the mommy guilt and allow myself time to heal. I had to remind myself that I was not incapable or not enough, but rather a chosen, beloved Daughter of God striving toward the goal of being a sufficient present mother who can provide for her child.
5 | GIVE GRACE TO THOSE AROUND YOU
They love you and are doing their best to help you. Even though they may not always help in the way you’d like them to help, use your words and communicate. Communicate with them what your needs are during this time and remember, they are dealing with a plethora of emotions too. Extend grace and patience toward one another just as God does with you. Like it says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
