Journaling after Diagnosis

By Diane Spry

2 min read

Have you found a hobby after diagnosis? I started a blog after I was diagnosed, and I have sporadically updated it ever since. I found that I wanted to do something more physical, a pen-on-paper-type hobby. My husband has many many many hobbies and I had always wanted a hobby but just had not found the right one yet.

Just before the pandemic started my friend invited me to a junk journal class and I accepted her invitation, and just like that, a new hobby was found!

Starting my first junk journal

A junk journal is exactly what it sounds like. The book can be made out of many things. I used an old book that the pages were already damaged. Some people do have a hard time destroying books, and if you are that way then this hobby may not be for you. I took the “guts” of the book out and then sewed paper into them. It can also be made out of old cardboard boxes, or you can use your imagination, anything goes!

The fun part about this is watching all the YouTube videos to learn what process works best for you. I watched one video and did her process but wasn’t too happy with it. I then watched a second video and found that her process was better.

My new hobbies

I have two books started. The first one I have themed it as my SpryVenture (my last name!) book and I write about my husband and my weekend adventures. My second book does not have a theme, but I am having fun decorating the pages. While decorating, I have found a lot of “junk” items to place in the journal, often called ephemera.

Another hobby that I have developed recently is going to thrift stores, so I have been on the lookout for things to add to my journals. I found a Christmas book to use to make a Christmas-themed junk journal and I have been collecting Christmas-themed items so that I can put it together.

Why finding a hobby is helpful

Finding a hobby after being diagnosed with lung cancer is helpful in many ways. It helps to keep your mind off of things that you cannot control. It is not healthy to always be focused on your treatment or what could happen. This hobby can successfully allow you to “live in the moment”. It is also helpful to stay active and not be napping too much. A hobby like junk journaling can help you to build up current friendships or make new friends. I have found a lot of helpful Facebook groups, Youtube videos, and other learning paths on the internet.

Grab a friend and start looking up what you would need and let me know if you have started a junk journal. I would love to see it and I can share mine with you! Or if this is not the hobby for you let me know in the comments what hobby you started after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The LungCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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MidwestRedhead Member
I didn't take up a new hobby. I had crocheted primarily for other people or charity for 60 years, and when I was diagnosed, I decided to crochet my own prayer shawl. I took it into the ICU and working frenziedly on it during the crisis that arose before I could even begin treatment. Since I unexpectedly survived the crisis (received Last Rites and said goodbyes 3 times), and had finished the shawl, I started crocheting items for as many family members and loved ones as I can, modest projects for the most part because cancer -- and life -- is unpredictable. Crocheting probably helped save me. The more the nurses harangued me about breathing properly, the less able I was to comply, because I have sensory issues. While I crocheted, I wasn't paying attention to my breathing and my oxygen saturation levels rose. I had a blast in ICU, crocheting around the clock because the meds etc. messed with my sleep and pain levels. I joked about my O2 levels being in the 70s... "a great decade but don't want to stay there." A male nurse who crochets visited at 1AM, and we shared Diet Cokes and pics on our phones of crochet projects. I finished the shawl and had my daughter grab plenty of cotton yarn so I could continue crocheting since it was the only way to manage my breathing issue. I also wore middle-finger earrings = F--- Cancer. Staff from all over the ICU stopped by to see the weirdo patient! I henna my hair like Lucille Ball did and had my daughter bring in root-covering spray. The respiratory therapist was amazed that I managed to "get my hair done" in ICU while on 2 sources of supplemental oxygen. I was born a redhead and I plan to die a redhead. When first diagnosed in early February 2022, my daughter bought and inscribed a journal for my cancer journey. I have added a few pics and stickers but am utterly unable to tear up books and such and have zero time for journal-creation as a hobby. I also listen to free music as music therapy. When I was discharged after 28 days in the hospital (24 in ICU), they offered me Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Music Therapy, and so on. Nope. I have my own therapies and stick with them. I continue to do my chair exercises as my pain permits. I do see an oncology counselor because I can't do that on my own. I have transportation and pain issues and I loathe having people in my home. There's a great crochet and fiber arts community on YouTube. I have become email friends with some fellow crocheters who post videos, and we don't have to worry about transportation 😀 This was a great article -- have fun with your new hobby, Diane Spry! 
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="MidwestRedhead" user-id="4550046"/>, So glad the crocheting has been such a help and comfort for you. Your experience is a great example of how a distraction to divert the mind can sometimes help study some symptoms. Wishing you the best. Richard (LungCancer.net Team)
2. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator
 <inline-mention username="MidwestRedhead" user-id="4550046"/> So happy you find what works for you; it can be hard to find a glimmer of hope in a trying time, but your finding your course is positive. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Best!

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