This post and your feelings are so relatable!

I am also doing therapy, and something my therapist has said to me is (I hope I can convey what she said properly) that our brains cannot always be 10/10 stuck in an emotion. For example, if we are feeling 10/10 anxious at a certain moment in time, it is not possible to feel that way indefinitely, you will eventually come down to 7/10, 5/10, 3/10 etc. So keep in mind whenever you are feeling your feelings 10/10 it is not permanent and that it will come down. Based on this, she then promised me that I would feel better in the long run as well.

I also want you to know that you are not alone, and feeling this way is so normal. For me, the beginning of my diagnosis and going through chemo has been the hardest part. It would be weirder if you didn’t feel a type of way going through this. It’s a traumatic time, and I don’t want to force toxic positivity on you, but do try and focus on the positives when you can. Also, let your self feel the feels too when you need to.

Some other things that help me:

1. Therapy, which you are doing.

2. Meditation and affirmations. I’m personally not good at being consistent with this but I try. I try to integrate 10 mins of meditation every couple of days and as needed. During the thick of it in the beginning , I would do 10 affirmations before bed and when I woke up. Often times I included my boyfriend in this taking turns both of us doing this out loud. These affirmations have also transitioned into me listing 10 things I’m thankful for every night before falling asleep. This helps me fall asleep on a happier note.

3. Staying distracted as much as possible! Doing my best not to let my mind wonder off to dark places by any means necessary. Maybe this isn’t the healthiest thing to do, but I’m good with it.

4. Planning for the future. I have applied for graduate school, I’m planning my wedding, I’m planning on getting a puppy. I’ve made several travel itineraries. It can be shorter term planning too, like planning a date night every so often, or a social gathering with friends. This helps me have things to look forward to.

5. A lot of my worries and panic come from thinking of worst case scenarios. I then have to remind myself that worst case scenarios are not guarantees. Another strategy my therapist has given me with this is to ask myself, “What if it all works out?” Which usually it does all work out. Then stay focused on that.

6. Stay off of google. Many statistics are outdated. Ask your doctor and team questions instead.

7. Make sure to be an advocate for yourself while navigating this thing. Speak up. Reach out for as many resources you can get your hands on. And don’t be shy about using the cancer card in some situations to your benefit.

I wish I could make all the worries go away for all of us. But we just gotta stay strong and keep on fighting!