Six tips for dealing with breast cancer at Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner. But for people living with breast cancer, it may not feel like the happiest time of year.
You may be worried you won’t feel well enough to join in the festivities or have enough energy to field personal questions from relatives. Or you may feel anxious about what the New Year will bring. This is completely normal. While living with breast cancer at Christmas can be tough, you are not alone in this experience.
From my working with countless women who have lived this reality, I want to share some of the strategies they told me have worked for them in getting through the holidays.
Have a plan - Having a plan can take some of the stress out of the chaos of Christmas time. Don’t forget to check your doctor and pharmacy opening hours over the holiday period as they may be reduced, and make sure you have enough medication to see you though.
Keep those positive habits – Many of us overindulge at Christmas and fall out of the routines that keep us feeling well. It’s okay to be a little indulgent but eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep for the bulk of the holidays will help manage stress and energy levels.
Ask for help from friends and family – Be honest with your friends and family about how you are feeling and how they can help. Even if you are feeling well, it may still be a good idea to let others host and do the heavy lifting this year so you can rest and enjoy the festivities.
Find time to relax – Even when we are feeling well, Christmas can be both physically and mentally draining. Finding time to do the things that we love over Christmas like reading a book, gardening or watching TV, can give us a boost.
Don’t feel bad about cancelling plans – You will have good days and you will have bad days, and neither you nor anyone else has any control over when these days will be. Your loved one will understand if you have to cancel plans or reschedule them. Be kind and patient with yourself.
Reach out for support – If you want to speak to someone other than your family or friends, there are support services that can help. You are not alone and these services are here to help:
· Emergency 000 (24 hours)
· Lifeline 13 11 14 (24-hours) and online chat
· Cancer Council Online Community, a safe and supportive online discussion site for people affected by cancer.
· Breast Cancer Network Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that supports Australians affected by breast cancer.
To my patients, those living with breast cancer this Christmas, and every other person who has experienced breast cancer in their life, I hope you have a peaceful Christmas and do the things you enjoy with the people you love. Take care and have a Merry Christmas.