Life of a Cancer Patient

I know talking about this can be contradictory in some terms. 

 However, it is better to speak than not speak at all. 

I primarily took care of Dad. I was involved in his entire journey. I saw him day in and out. 

So, I simply take the right to write about it :) 

Being an empath especially when it is one of your parents, you half feel what they feel. 

Trust me, the disease makes heartache and life seem meaningless. 

Only, if you see it that way ;) 

Mentally

My Dad comes from a warrior mentality. His will and determination only ended when God stopped the last breath. 

I remember him telling me just before 1 day of his passing away: “Prachi, take me back home, I will consume some homeopathic medicine and be fit”. 

Not every patient is the same. Every human and body is designed differently. Irrespective of the diseased having a strong mindset, it is important to gift them your back. Things you can do to support the loved one mentally. 

1. Let them count on you
2. Listen to them 
3. Boost them neutrally 
4. Let them see “Strength” in your eyes 
5. Strengthened eyes reflect strength 
6. Make them laugh 
7. Ask them questions 
8. Have fun with them 
9. Avoid being restrictive (one of the mistakes I made) 

Emotionally 

Dad was emotionally wretched. He did not come from an emotionally + mentally safe environment. Like most people, he was unavailable, rigid, and said “Emotions are for the weak”. Deep inside he was the softest person (or I say child) 

I can only feel the amount of emotional pain he went through on diagnosis, especially after a wounded past. 

Efforts that count to fill the gap a bit: 

1. Touch and hug your loved ones (It gives them a feeling of safety) 
2. Talk to them about the happy moments (It helps them relive the happy memories)
3. Listen to them completely (Cancer comes with inconsistent mood swings, let them spit it on you while you wear your protective energetic layer) 
4. Validate them (It is not easy they are still doing it. Say’ “You are so brave”) 
5. Ask them when they need space to be alone 
6. Give them your precious time 
7. Share life touching life stories 
8. Express your love and feelings 

Financially 

Not everyone is privileged to go through expensive treatment facilities. The disease takes a toll at all levels. It comes with massive expenses (which might work is uncertain) All risks fall off, here. 

We were blessed and grateful to have a safe expense facility; all because of my father being a hard-working man his entire life. 

First, it is always best to be health-savvy in whatsoever case. Still, some of the options I know can be: 

1. Check in with your emergency savings 
2. Let your health insurance take the lead 
3. The government provides major assistance 
4. Non-profit organizations start the work here 
5. Special Cancer-aided organizations to help those in need 
6. The treating hospital holds a separate cell for free treatment 
7. Many disease-specific designed programs 

The above options are my limited knowledge. Be open to researching and knowing more information on this. 

Physically 

The saddest thing to be in is an unhealthy body. The disease takes away so much. The treatment options are limited which only aids in removing the disease + injuring the rest of the body with its hard effects. Treatment is still important. 

My father was born in a mountainous village and lived there for 3 years. This means he consumed almost organic foods directly from nature. After coming to the city, his time of childhood still had a lot of naturally organic foods (in comparison to what we have NOW). His stamina, mobility, and metabolism were sane. A cherry on the top was his active lifestyle of walking, cycling, yoga, breathing exercises, and enjoying nature. 

Even during the treatment he never stopped doing it (only on a few days the oncologist suggested, or he felt uneasy) 

Believingly, any Cancer patient should be as physically active as possible. (as long as the doc allows) 

Ask me why. It is a signal to the brain that you are not giving up. 

1. Be in the nature 
2. Take deep breaths (start small) 
3. Meditate on your breath 
4. Move your arms, legs, and other body parts 
5. Listen to the music 
6. Play Music 
7. Dance a little 
8. Touch every part of your body 

All of the above can be done if it is comfortable for your body or if the oncologist allows it. 

Spiritually 

“Everything happens for a reason”. We thought the same. The possible two reasons decoded by us: 

1. Cancer: A Karmic disease 
2. You need to learn major life lessons 

Change only comes to those who are willing to change. We as a family needed to change for the better. To be closer to each other and know our energy. 

I remember accidentally getting in touch with a spiritual coach who asked me to attend “Forgiveness sessions”, to learn what it is and why it needs to be done. That is how my journey of spirituality began. 

What entered inside me had to enter my home. All of my family members were changing and choosing spirituality in their different ways. I was happy. 

Transitioning through the journey came with a purpose. Each one of our souls is here for a specific time to serve our purpose. 

Spiritual Reasons are about looking at the situation from a bigger picture. Namaste. You have the reasons. Some spiritual reasons sound like: 

1. The nature of the disease is similar to something that needs to be changed inside you 
2. See things from a deeper level than from the surface area 
3. Follow your breath, soon you will be following your intuition 
4. The situation is your teacher, be a good learner 
5. Please clean your chakrams 

The spiritual side can be felt more than written. Yet, the answer only lies in spiritualism. 

I hope you balance all aspects of your life.