Journaling...my new way of coping

katiebug

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with DCIS on 11/15/11.  It was a total shock to me and I still feel like it is surreal at times.  It's a lot to deal with...first the fact that you actually have cancer, then all the treatment decisions, etc., etc.  My emotions have been everywhere.  I tend to express myself more in writing than I do in talking, so a very good friend of mine suggested I write a blog so that I can share exactly what I'm going through with family and friends and they can know better how to encourage me and show me support.  I was hesitant at first, but once I started writing as if I was keeping a journal, I felt so much better...just to try to honestly express what I was feeling.  I didn't think anyone would really want to read it...it's not a fun subject and I thought it would be hard/awkward for them to read it and for me to share my inner thoughts.  I've been pleasantly surprised at the response, though...some have actually thanked me for being so open and honest.  It helps them to kind of understand more what I'm going through, although no one can until they actually have to go through it.  I thought I'd share it with you, too, since many of you can really understand and relate to these feelings.  Here is the link: http://katie-myjourneytovictory.blogspot.com/ 

What are some of the ways you cope with the emotional whirlwind that having cancer brings? 

katiebug

Hi again...I had second thoughts about my post and deleted it, but I see that it doesn't go completely away and that some have been viewing it.  I basically shared how a friend's suggestion to keep a journal has really helped me to work through things and be able to better share with my loved ones and friends what I am going through.  It has been a blessing to me and has been helping me to cope with all the emotions and decisions I have to make.  Here is the link to my blog: http://katie-myjourneytovictory.blogspot.com/

What are some of the methods you use to help you cope with all of this? 

J9W

Hi Katie,  I ran, and ran, and ran....of course, that was only until I had the mx.  then, I think I just kept things bottled up. I didn't even think of writing and sharing my emotions with others. Unfortunately, I didn't find this site until about year after my dx....I sure wish I had found it right at the start because it's great to have others who understand where we are at with this trip. I see that your dx is very recent - it really does get a lot better once you have a plan in place.

katiebug

Thank you for your encouragement, J9W.  It's nice to hear that it does get better.  I am feeling better now that I have an appt. with a PS coming up next week to help me make a decision.  I'm not a big runner, but I love my walks with my dog.  I'm also so thankful to have found this site.  It's so nice to be able to share and not have to worry about how to say things because everyone has been there in one way or the other.  Thank you for your reply!

agada

I do keep a journal.  After time goes by you can go back and read it and be amazed at what you were thinking and feeling at the time you were going through all of your surgery, treatment, etc. Its also a great way to keep track of what doctors have said to you (when you are able to rememeber what they say :-)  ). A journal also can help you vent when no one is around, so it becomes a best friend.

Agada

kenyohunt1

I like to do crafts, never thought I would but once I got started and thanks to you tube I love it. My newest endeavor is to do a homemade smash/junk journal book of my breast cancer journey. It is a combination of really anything you want to go in you book. It can be writings, drawings, a card someone sent you, to you bracelet from treatment really just anything you want doesn't have to make sense to someone else just to you. If anybody is interested go have a look on YouTube at some of the smash/ junk journals. Some people purchase books already made and just fill them in with "junk" others like me prefer to make homemade ones, mostly because I have tones of craft stuff that I need to use.

katiebug

I've never heard of a smash/junk journal before.  Thank you for sharing, kenyohunt1.  I think that would be a nice thing to have to look back on after completing all your treatment and getting rid of cancer.  It's such a big journey to go through. 

jenny12000

I too started a new journal and wrote down all my up-and-down on daily basis. Every day started like ‘xx treatment done...and how many to go...etc'...That's something that keep me going..it really was quite a journey...I was very determined and energetic in a strange sense...I did not know at the time but later that this is so called ‘survivor mode', I guess. Everyone is different in how they comfortable in expressing. Being a manger, I had to let my team know in addition to my boss. But they have been very understanding of respecting my privacy without me asking. I prefer this way of dealing with it. I also never stopped any of my exercising...doing a variety of workout routine (zumba, steps, toning, running..etc) definitely a very good way of strengthening...and venting. Lots of fruits and veggies. Also, try everything I can to minimize the potential environmental factors - shampoo with sulfate-free, lotion with paraben-free, no underarm deodorant, organic milk only, use gloves when doing any house-cleaning, delay my hair-perm until I feel comfortable...etc.