12 step program and Cancer

JustMeJudi

12 step program and Cancer

JustMeJudi

Does anyone know if there is a 12 step program for folks with cancer or a list of 12 steps (similar to AA) for those of us going through all this?

iodine

I've not heard of one.  Not to be funny, but the only thing I really know of is: putting one foot in front of the other one and just keep doing it till we're done.

The alternative is to seek counseling from a cancer center where they work with cancer patients all or most of the time.;

I found my few visits with a counselor very helpful in wrapping my mind around the diagnosis and comming to grips with my family's reactions and my response to them. 

Anonymous

JustMeJudi...I'm very familiar with 12-step programs and, to my knowledge, there are none that address specific physical diseases other than alcoholism and drug addiction. That's not to say, however, that working a 12-step program won't help you or anyone else to not only cope, but to maximize whatever benefit can be derived from being afflicted. I don't think that I would ever have survived my cancer if it hadn't been for the Steps and, if I did, it certainly wouldn't have been graceful by any means!

I wish that every person in the world had the 12 Steps as a way of life! If they did, we'd probably never see another war or selfish, violent act!

~Marin

Bren-2007

JustMe,

I haven't heard of one either, but the 12-steps work for me in this journey.  In fact, they work for any situation ... just put the word "cancer" in and take out the word "alcohol," "food" or whatever you are powerless over today.

Keeping you in my thoughts,

Brenda in VA

JustMeJudi

I found this on http://www.lexpages.com/SGN/paschal/cancerbeliefs.html



This is what I was looking for, not an actual group. Thanks to those of you who answered my post!



TWELVE AFFIRMATIONS OF THE CANCER CONQUEROR





I AFFIRM THAT...



1. I AM IN CHARGE OF MY BODY AND MY MIND. THEREFORE I AM IN CHARGE OF MY CANCER. IT IS NOT IN CHARGE OF ME. I manage my health and my wellness. And I also manage the psychological and spiritual aspects of my health. I am responsible for these choices. All of these are important. I am in charge of me.



2. CANCER IS A REVERSIBLE DISEASE. Many persons have reversed their cancer, so might I. There is much still unknown. Even statistics recognize many survivors, and I choose to be instructed by them.



3. MY TREATMENT IS EFFECTIVE AND HAS MINIMAL SIDE EFFECTS. Both research and treatment is progressing daily. I have confidence in my treatment and I manage it. It is my friend. I minimize side-effects by my expectations.



4. MY IMMUNE SYSTEM IS POWERFUL AND CAN EFFECTIVELY INHIBIT CANCEROUS GROWTH. It is natural for my body to "heal from within." My medical treatment is in support of my body's own healing power. My body knows how to get well!



5. MY IMMUNE SYSTEM IS AFFECTED BY MY MIND AND MY BODY. My body is very responsive to my mental and spiritual choices and attitudes. By managing my mind and my spirit, I positively affect my body.



6. MY MIND AND BODY ARE AFFECTED BY MY EMOTIONS AND ATTITUDES. Too much stress can confuse my mind, overwhelm my feelings, and result in the suppression of my immune system. But I choose my emotions, and I can choose hope, faith, love and kindness.



7. CANCER IS A CHALLENGE TO CHANGE. Life itself is the Great Teacher and there is a lesson for me in everything that happens. What is my cancer teaching me? Do I need to change my lifestyle, resolve some emotional conflicts, face some anger or resentment, or forgive someone? I am willing to confront these questions and to change.



8. I LIVE A LIFE STYLE THAT IS HEALTHY WITH PROPER DIET, EXERCISE, REST AND BALANCE. Most of us take our life-style for granted until some illness or setback. Most of us can live far healthier lives by proper attention to the food we eat, sufficient exercise, appropriate rest and balance between the various demands.



9. A KEY LESSON IS PEACE OF MIND AND SURRENDER TO A HIGHER POWER. Ultimately, as the AA twelve step program teaches, we are not in full control of our outcomes. There are no guarantees in life. All world religions teach an un-selfing. When I surrender, that is, abandon myself, to the Great Spirit, Higher Power, a healing wisdom awakens within me and begins to guide me.



10. GENUINE PEACE COMES FROM UNDERSTANDING THERE IS A GOD WHO KNOWS ME AND LOVES ME, AND LOVES ME EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS ALL OF ME. I know my faith is a gift. I accept myself as a person with whom God is not yet finished. I have the courage to be imperfect and know that I am still loved unconditionally, just as I am, warts & all.



11. I BELIEVE I BECOME A CANCER CONQUEROR NOT BECAUSE I GO INTO REMISSION BUT BECAUSE I CONSTANTLY RENEW MYSELF AND MY LIFE-STYLE. My cancer helps make my life a spiritual journey, more aware, more appreciative of everything, more grateful of every moment I have, more loving and more dedicated to leaving the world a little better.



12. I CHOOSE DAILY TO GROW IN AWARENESS THAT WE ARE INTERRELATED WITH ALL LIVING THINGS, AND AIM TO CONTRIBUTE TO RESTORING PEACE, LOVE, JUSTICE AND BALANCE ON EARTH. When I live this way, every day, every hour, every relationship, and everything that happens is meaningful.



Adapted from an article by Greg Anderson, in Possibilities, 1989, by Dr. Paschal Baute, psychologist in body/mind/spirit (total) wellness.