I Have Cancer and I’m Scared
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from these links, I may make a commission.
“You have cancer” - The scariest words I heard!
WHAT did I do next?
I did what I knew to do in a crisis…I put my head down and went on auto-pilot. There wasn’t time to digest the narrative of that diagnosis, I just knew I was scared and found ourself in the hands of Oncology. We followed the medical plan and did everything we were told, without looking back.
It didn’t hit me until years later as I was trying to figure out my emotions; fear, anger, sadness, etc. I recognized a GAP between the emotional and medical aspects of cancer, and I wanted to do something about it.
Enter my new role as a Cancer Doula.
The word Doula has Greek origins and means “one who serves.” Helping others is part of my human design and there’s no better way to step into what I’m meant to do than support others in similar situations equally scared.
I want to share what I learned and offer the tools I used to help my family through our experiences, redefining what is known as cancer support*.
3 Tools to Incorporate for Those Who Have Cancer and are Scared.
There are many tools to help reduce fear during stressful times. I’m highlighting 3 of my top practices to navigate fear and anxiety with grace and strength.
Awareness: it’s okay to be afraid.
Don’t ignore that emotion and all the other feelings that arise, they are a normal reaction to any life experience. It’s okay to express emotions, they help us heal and it’s a healthy way to release what gets pent up while in a survival mode.
There are more tips in my recent blog How Do You Survive Cancer Emotionally.
Aromatherapy: A powerful art!
Aromatherapy is one of the techniques of holistic, complementary, or natural medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Did you know aromatherapy is the fastest way to the brain for emotional support?
Aromatherapy saved my sanity and I didn't even know it was working. It has been a LIFESAVER to get my family through some of the toughest emotional times.
Essential oils are still a fixture in our home and we use them DAILY!
Fun fact: Essential oil molecules reach the brain within 22 seconds, are found in the bloodstream in 2 minutes, and in every cell in the body within 20 minutes. Powerful stuff!
Want to experience aromatherapy? Click here to get 10 of the best aromatherapy oils and a diffuser.
Energy Healing: Reiki.
Reiki is an energy healing technique, used as a complementary therapy that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch.
Reiki aids in healing by helping people become energetically balanced — physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Energy healing is not specific to a cancer journey, it can be incorporated in everyday living to allow more peace, joy, and balance in our life.
Click here to learn more about how Reiki can help in any healing journey.
Hearing the words “you have cancer” is a scary life changing event. Having the knowledge and utilizing the power of awareness, essential oils, and Reiki can be a transformative and empowering way to calm fear while offering peace of mind.
By combining these tools, you can create a holistic approach to soothe fear and anxiety, nurturing our mind, body, and soul.
*Redefining cancer support through community. If you are looking for a support network I have started an in person Women’s Cancer Support group. A support community where women come together, support each other, understand each other while discovering hope and inspiration.
This community is facilitated by me - someone who has been there as a patient, caregiver and healthcare worker. Someone who knows what you are holding in and offering a safe space to heal.
Being with other women who know what you are going through will help you thrive through the cancer journey.
Using Aromatherapy for motivation
Diffusing essential oils are a powerful way to calm emotions.
Motivate, the encouraging blend is helpful in times of weariness and discouragement when you have lost the energy & motivation to complete important tasks.
Motivate - A blend of mints and citrus oils to motivation and encouragement. It fosters confidence and imbues a warrior-like spirit to strengthen anyone faced with life challenges.
Use this rollerball as a perfume alternative, rolling on wrists & forearms. Over heart and behind ears often throughout the day!