Take Time for Yourself

The holidays are here. You have lung cancer. I bluntly ask, do you ask yourself, "Is this my last holiday with my family?" It is 2018 and the answer is NOT NECESSARILY. The numbers you have read about on the internet are out of date, misleading and quite frankly, depressing.

Despite the progress, lung cancer patients still worry about the future

2018 is a wonderful time. The amount of new medications receiving FDA approval for lung cancer is staggering in comparison to less than ten years ago. We are in a time of magnificent improvement for outcomes for our disease. It is also a time where we as patients may find it very difficult to get into the holiday spirit but it is imperative that you do.

Take time for yourself

Make sure every day you take time for yourself. Take a relaxing bath, take a relaxing hot shower, take a nap, go out to lunch with friends one day - simply find time each day that what you are doing is completely just for you - no one else.

This sounds like a silly and simple task but it is probably the most important information I can pass along as a patient fighting this battle for almost five years. Our natural instinct makes us worry about everyone else. But as we have been told in the past, we cannot help others unless we are caring for ourselves.

Learning to set boundaries

Prior to my diagnosis, I didn't know what the word NO meant. I am randomly accused of still not knowing but I try to make a conscious effort to do each day what I need to able to say yes to everyone around me. My children, my family, my friends, and my grandchildren. In the past 7 months, I have gained 2 grandchildren. One is 3 months old and one is 7 months old. I babysit both of them while mom's work. But I know my limits. I can't do two days in a row. It is a simple concept but we have been able to develop a schedule whereas the other grandma and I split the time and I am able to take the time I need to rest and reboot.

My children are all grown now - 22 to 33. It is time for me to concentrate on my grandchildren and my first thought was how can I spend time with them and not be exhausted but with a little bit of planning it is possible and I am able to sit on the couch cuddling and enjoying my time with each of them. I make sure I allow time to recoup and rest.

Live your life

It is imperative that you take time for yourself. Even if it is just 5 minutes a day - protect yourself, say no when you feel you need to and then you can enjoy all the other times ahead of you. The holidays take a lot out of us and can be exhausting so plan accordingly and enjoy yourself. Live your life.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 28, 2020, Jennifer Toth passed away. Jennifer was a passionate advocate for the Lung Cancer community. She will be deeply missed.