Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/259111
spring 2014 | cancer fighters thrive 25 cf thrive. com or make an efort to simply slow down somewhat to accommodate lower energy levels. Emotional and physical changes may come immediately afer a diagnosis, during treatment or even years later, Dr. Bornfriend says. "Upon being diagnosed patients are usually in shock, and they come face-to-face with the fact that they can't continue to live how they've been living. Tey may have less energy or experience other physical limitations that suddenly prevent them from partaking in their normal activities." Once the initial shock has worn of, Dr. Bornfriend says, patients tend to settle into new and diferent rou- tines—some of which are infuenced by the physical rigors of the treatment process. During this period, she says, many individuals begin to break free of the "shoulds" and the "oughts" that dictated their activities, intentions and lives up until the cancer diagnosis. Some patients, for example, start to mentally explore what their true calling might be and to evaluate the impact that they want to have on the world. "Tey start to experience things and take part in activities that they want to do—rather than what someone else wants them to do," says Dr. Bornfriend. "It's an extremely empow- ering time." SUPERMAN'S KRYPTONITE Te changes that Dr. Bornfriend describes may be especially sig- nifcant for "supermen" and "superwomen" who have spent their lives caring for others and shouldering considerable responsibility. When people who have lived their lives in this way suddenly fnd themselves in need of help and support, it can be a big adjustment. For the frst time in their lives, they must put their own welfare ahead of everything else and realize that this isn't a selfsh move. "Te key is to be fexible," Dr. Bornfriend points out, "and realize that it's time to relinquish some of the power you've had and allow others to help and support you." Tat transition from caregiver to recipient is ofen eased by the fact that a cancer diagnosis in and of itself encourages patients to more clearly communicate their emotions, wants, needs and grati- tude. "People have conversations that they've never had before and are able to clarify misconceptions, express gratitude and let out their frustrations," says Dr. Bornfriend. Te intense circumstances surrounding a cancer diagnosis mean that sometimes these emo- tions come in rapid-fre succession. In this case, Dr. Bornfriend en- courages patients to acknowledge and accept feeling overwhelmed by the swirling thoughts and the stress points but to not be self- critical and to reach out to friends and loved ones for support. SPECIAL FEATURE the rest of my story with my family," says Frank. "Before the cancer, every day was just another day. Now I wake up appreciating every day and treating it like an entirely new gif that I've been given." SHIFTING PRIORITIES Frank's decision to reevaluate his priorities and adjust his perspec- tive afer the diagnosis is not surprising to Lynn Bornfriend, MD, a psychiatrist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Phila- delphia. In fact, she says, shifs in emotional and physical priori- ties are common during cancer treatment and recovery. Emotional changes might include a changing outlook on life and the pursuit of new goals and aspirations. On the physical side of the equation, survivors may strive to live healthier lifestyles, live with less stress cftSp#23vky.indd 25 2/4/14 11:19 AM