Post by Baking_Bud on Dec 23, 2002 12:47:28 GMT -6
This came in one of my health newsletters, and I hope it will be of help to someone who might need it at this time.
DEALING WITH CANCER DURING THE HOLIDAYS
A support network for women with cancer has produced a brochure to help mothers with cancer cope with the stresses of the holiday season. "When Mom Has Cancer: Help & Hope for the Holidays" is available online at www.gillettecancerconnect.org. Nearly 250,000 women were diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers in the United States this year, and their first Christmas with the disease may be especially difficult, both emotionally and physically, researchers said. The program from the Gillette Women's Cancer Connection offers tips on how to minimize the stress experienced by moms and their families during this time of year. "Traditionally, holidays are the time of year when many mothers feel the need to turn into 'SuperMom'," said Dr. Ursula Matulonis, gynecologic cancer specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. "If they are undergoing cancer treatments or struggling emotionally, many tasks such as shopping, baking and decorating may be overwhelming or impossible. We want women to give themselves permission to decide which activities are right for them this year and feel empowered to control the way they and their families celebrate the holidays." Here are some holiday tips for women with cancer: be true to yourself, and express your feelings openly; set realistic expectations to avoid becoming overwhelmed; be flexible and fluid, and don't strive for perfection or try to make this the most elaborate holiday you've ever had; lighten up, and ease up; don't fear "the meal," and consider a potluck or dinner at a restaurant; go cyber, and do your shopping online; get out for a fun outing or weekend getaway; break with tradition or create new traditions that aren't quite as demanding of your time and energy; be a little selfish, and spend some time with yourself; ask for help, and accept it graciously when it is offered.
DEALING WITH CANCER DURING THE HOLIDAYS
A support network for women with cancer has produced a brochure to help mothers with cancer cope with the stresses of the holiday season. "When Mom Has Cancer: Help & Hope for the Holidays" is available online at www.gillettecancerconnect.org. Nearly 250,000 women were diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers in the United States this year, and their first Christmas with the disease may be especially difficult, both emotionally and physically, researchers said. The program from the Gillette Women's Cancer Connection offers tips on how to minimize the stress experienced by moms and their families during this time of year. "Traditionally, holidays are the time of year when many mothers feel the need to turn into 'SuperMom'," said Dr. Ursula Matulonis, gynecologic cancer specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. "If they are undergoing cancer treatments or struggling emotionally, many tasks such as shopping, baking and decorating may be overwhelming or impossible. We want women to give themselves permission to decide which activities are right for them this year and feel empowered to control the way they and their families celebrate the holidays." Here are some holiday tips for women with cancer: be true to yourself, and express your feelings openly; set realistic expectations to avoid becoming overwhelmed; be flexible and fluid, and don't strive for perfection or try to make this the most elaborate holiday you've ever had; lighten up, and ease up; don't fear "the meal," and consider a potluck or dinner at a restaurant; go cyber, and do your shopping online; get out for a fun outing or weekend getaway; break with tradition or create new traditions that aren't quite as demanding of your time and energy; be a little selfish, and spend some time with yourself; ask for help, and accept it graciously when it is offered.