Cancer News Information

It would be an insult for me to write this article on the preposition that none of you have strong relationships - nor had strong relationships prior to beginning your cancer journey. I know for a fact that this is NOT the case. However, let me spend just a few minutes reminding all of us what makes these strong relationships so important and why, at this critical time in your lives, building more of these relationships will be part of your "life-strength".

As humans, we are physical, spiritual and emotional. Our social lives are tied to all three of these. It makes sense then, that during times of crisis and illness we often find our social lives greatly impacted for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most obvious is the need to stay away from the hosts of germs that permeate social gatherings during treatment. Additionally, it has been my experience, that close friends whom you have had strong relationships with prior to cancer may find it difficult to know what to say and do to encourage you during this time - and consequently pull away some. Or, you may find that YOU are beginning to pull away because it feels like you are being selfish that every conversation centers on you. A valid and important reason relationships may suffer is that you are putting all your effort into being pronounced cancer clean and in full remission. As imperative as this is - that leaves little time for nurturing the social part of you.

Recently I was on a walk with a dear friend. We were enjoying the beautiful summer evening in Colorado as we walked and chatted. At one point my friend she shared how our time together was a reminder to her that in the recent hubbub of her life she has not spent as much time as she should building and growing relationships with her friends and family. Her youngest daughter was just married last weekend and what a celebration of love it was! However, the wedding was quite large, and to save on money, she did much of the wedding planning. Her spring was consumed with this wedding. I am not equating her spring to your cancer journey, but there are some similarities, particularly in the case of being focused on one thing in your life to the exclusion of other parts of your life.

God created us as whole beings. If we focus too intently on any one part of our life the other parts suffer. While engaging in the biggest fight of your life physically, spiritually and emotionally, it is imperative that you do not allow the social part to atrophy. Physical, spiritual and emotional strength are intimately tied to the strength of our social lives.

Take a few moments this month to reflect on the social part of your life and write down a few people you would like to contact and/or see. Then beside that person's name write some specific things you can ask them about, such as what is going on in their lives currently - or things to reminisce about. Between now and the end of 2013 go down that list - as you have the time and energy - and stay connected, reconnect or begin connecting. Your body will thank you for it!