Cancer: Coping With Fear
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a heart-wrenching moment, when those dreaded words, "You have cancer," pierce through our souls. It forces us to confront difficult choices on our path to healing, but we stand strong, ready to do whatever it takes. We absorb every tiny detail, craving tangible results about our condition. Our attention hones in on the physical, the visible, much like we do with injuries. Our thirst for knowledge extends to understanding blood results, decoding radiology reports, and exploring treatment options. We yearn for nothing more than to make cancer disappear, now and forever!
The emotional toll of cancer remains immense, often untended to. Discussions with physicians rarely address the vital aspect of emotional healing after a cancer diagnosis. The scars left behind aren't always visible and can often be ignored. Simply taking an anti-anxiety pill daily doesn’t heal the soul.
We're often reminded that "It's okay to cry." Our doctor may even offer a comforting hug if we're fortunate enough. Picture a car hurtling toward you, mere inches from ending your life. That terrifying moment mirrors the emotions that surge through you upon receiving a cancer diagnosis. It's like being on a plane where the pilot announces an imminent crash, with only a fraction of passengers likely to survive. Such trauma leaves a deep mark on our body and soul, yet we often overlook its impact when dealing with cancer. Our loved ones, who watch and worry, can't truly feel what we do. Even though they love us deeply and don’t want to lose us, their lives aren't in immediate danger like ours are. We face the fear of dying, of disappearing. Even those with strong faith in God go through this human experience—no one is ever truly ready to die.
Psychologically, it's essential to understand that human responses to terminal illness are complex and multifaceted. The Kübler-Ross model highlights that denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are natural responses to terminal illness and grief . Trauma, whether physical or emotional, leaves lasting marks on the body and mind, as explored in Bessel van der Kolk's work, The Body Keeps the Score .
Faith and human emotions coexist in a delicate balance. Research indicates that even people of faith experience fear and anxiety when facing life-threatening illnesses. Faith can provide immense comfort but does not eliminate human emotions . Therefore, psychological support is crucial for those facing terminal illness, addressing both emotional and spiritual needs .
I focus on love and life in my daily routine, which helps heal my heart. When I have PTSD symptoms, I have a plan. I fill my life with love, songs, faith, hope, and gratitude to keep negativity at bay. Preparation is vital, helping me navigate potential triggers each day. I even have a playlist titled "Shannon's Feel Good Songs" that I use for support.
Unintentionally, I often find myself being asked the wrong questions. People want to know about my diet, my supplements, and whether I follow any specific regimen. While these inquiries may be valid for some, there is one critical question that is rarely asked: "How can I recover from the emotional trauma I'm experiencing?" This is a question that hits close to home for me, as I've battled cancer twice. Through my life coaching technique, I aim to provide women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their emotional healing journey. Remember, you are not alone on this path. For many years, I believed that what caused my cancer was not what I ate, but rather what was eating away at me internally. My mission became clear after leaving a toxic relationship in 2012—healing my mind, spirit, and heart. I wanted to take control of my thoughts, to say "CUT!" to the negative influences in my life, just like a movie director.
Let's work on this together and find the inner strength to overcome any adversity. Connect with me to discover the power of self-compassion and happiness, no matter your trauma. As a coach, I specialize in empowering women navigating the cancer experience, guiding them to take charge of their thoughts and fiercely love themselves. Start your emotional healing today with Journey of the Heart Coaching and embrace a brighter future!
References:
Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On Death and Dying.
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
Breitbart, W. (2002). Spirituality and meaning in supportive care: spirituality- and meaning-centered group psychotherapy interventions in advanced cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 10(4), 272-280.
Pargament, K. I. (1997). The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice.
American Psychological Association. (2017). Coping with Cancer. Retrieved from APA Help Center
National Cancer Institute. (2020). Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. Retrieved from NCI
Harvard Health Publishing. (2011). Spirituality and Healing. Retrieved from Harvard Health
