Living With Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma And Fighting Depression

Posted on April 7, 2008

When living with non-hodgkins lymphoma there are many ups and downs, mentally, physically, and spiritually on the road to surviving cancer. Here are a few of the do’s and don’ts that I’ve learned as time went on during and after my non-hodgkins lymphoma diagnosis. If they helped me become a cancer survivor, intact, beating the odds, why couldn’t they help you? So here they are…

DO make sure you know and understand what your protocol is about while living with cancer, whether it’s non-hodgkins lymphoma, or any other type of cancer, to help maintain a level of control and reduce depression on your road to becoming a cancer survivor.

DON’T assume someone will stay on top of your protocol for you. Even doctors make mistakes from time to time!

DO take medications that are intended to help cure you of cancer EXACTLY when scheduled. Sometimes depression can be medically induced, so be proactive, be on the offensive while battling non-hodgkins lymphoma.

DON’T be careless when it comes to taking medications intended to aid in your end goal - surviving cancer. Missing a dose and doubling up the next time scheduled, or not taking it at all could take a major toll on your odds of surviving non-hodgkings lymphoma, or any other cancer for that matter. That’s depressing!

DO make sure you stay focused on what is right with your life while living with cancer, even in the midst of the non-hodgkins diagnosis, and throughout the protocol. Optimism, positive thinking, love, and humor all help to lessen depression, and make all the difference in the world when working toward becoming a cancer survivor.

DON’T dwell on the misery, the unknown, and the “I should have(s)” in life. Actually, all the word “should” does is induce guilt, whether living with non-hodgkins lymphoma, or otherwise. Moreover, being negative while living with cancer is draining, both physically and mentally. And shutting loved ones out of your life during such a difficult time could be lonely and depressing!

DO make sure you get up in the morning, take a shower, get dressed, and if possible try to get some fresh air to help prevent depression. And remember, beauty comes from the inside out. People who truly care about you do not love you for your hair; they love you for the whole person you are. Cancer, including non-hodgkins lymphoma, does not have the power to take away true love.

DON’T stay in your pajamas and robe all day. When you look good you feel good. And when you look happy, confident, and optimistic about your life, you look good… not depressed!

DO get busy LIVING when diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. Face it head on! Deal with it in the best way you know how, keeping in mind that it’s always a good idea to ask for help whenever you feel depressed. Always remember to take another step onward, and with a smile. You CAN THRIVE while living with non-hodgkins lymphoma, or any other type of cancer. Surround yourself with positive people and positive feelings. By doing so positive energy will come your way. You CAN be happy living with cancer. The choice is yours!

DON’T wait for the non-hodgkins lymphoma protocol to end before you start living life once again. Do not let a cancer diagnosis or depression keep you from moving forward. Your dreams and goals may have to be reprioritized; nevertheless, keep your eye on your goal - surviving cancer. Don’t choose misery over happiness! If you allow misery to take over than there will be many great experiences you might have missed, and remarkable people you could have had the chance to meet. Time doesn’t stand still while you’re living with cancer, why should you??!! Do not give non-hodgkins lymphoma the power to keep you from living your life to its fullest!

To read more about me and my story, or take a look at the book I wrote about my experience titled, “The Will to Live: The Perks of Cancer Through the Eyes of a Survivor”, a cancer survivor book, please visit my website at http://www.erinley.com/

by Erin Ley, Author/Presenter
President
ONWARD PRODUCTIONS, INC.

Article Author :Erin_Ley

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