Positive Attitude Can Benefit Patients with Chronic Disease

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I was going through chronic stress at diagnosis. My cortisol (stress hormone) level was 27 (yikes). When my oncologist calmly advised me, "Our most successful patients in remission are those who adopted a positive attitude," I just stared at her. How was there anything "positive" about this diagnosis? What could I possibly do about it? Still, I was curious and resolved to learn more.

Ten months later, I am pleasantly surprised by how my decision to keep a positive outlook has impacted my experience of my cancer treatments and recovery.

My blood pressure is down.

I feel like getting out and exercising more.

I am sleeping better.

I am laughing more.

I feel more relaxed.

My pain levels are way down.

I no longer have a racing heartbeat stressing me out at night.

My cortisol level is down to 6.

I am finding joy every day in some aspect, even if it's just my morning cup of coffee in the garden.

I am starting this thread because I would like to ask what benefits others have found by keeping a positive attitude.

How has your positive attitude helped your cancer journey?

Blessings,

Esther

P.S. Here also is a study I enjoyed reading, one of many.

Positive Attitude Can Benefit Patients with Chronic Disease

https://www.tc.columbia.edu/articles/2012/january/...







Comments

  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited August 2021

    oh ha, I don't have a positive attitude. I'm "Team Angry at All of THIS" <gesturing wildly at everything>

    "Studies have shown that keeping a positive attitude does not change the course of a person's cancer. Trying to keep a positive attitude does not lead to a longer life and can cause some people to feel guilty when they can't "stay positive." This only adds to their burden."

    https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-duri...


  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2021

    I only have a negative attitude when people claim that a positive attitude somehow helps you do better in terms of your bc. I am an extremely positive person and I believe it makes my life easier but I believe it has nothing to do with my bc.

    I could provide you with a long list of very pos, upbeat and optimistic bco members who have passes away despite a great attitude. There is so much to deal with when you have bc, let’s not add one more thing that people “should” be doing. Let’s not put people in a position to think; Gee, I have a bad attitude sometimes that must be why I’ve had a progression or recurrence. And please, don’t ever suggest this to most stage IV members. It’s insulting and puts yet one more burden on them.

  • LoverofJesus
    LoverofJesus Member Posts: 255
    edited August 2021

    I have a positive attitude. I have days when I’m scared or just sad. But that doesn’t mean all my joy is gone. I don’t think this thread was meant to hurt of offend anyone. I get what she is saying. I’m sure she is not strong all the time. No one is. But, we can all find blessings in our days. Is it perfect? No! But at the end of the day we are still alive and living every moment. No one can predict the future. But allow our Faith or whatever guides you to live each day with peace is a plus in my book. Let’s not be to hard on anyone. We are all dealing with this. I would rather believe The Bible when it says I will live and not die!

  • Aram
    Aram Member Posts: 417
    edited August 2021

    Having a positive attitude as long as it is a personal choice does not hurt others. But sentences like "Our most successful patients in remission are those who adopted a positive attitude" do, even if they are from doctors. The same goes for diet or exercise. It is great to eat well and exercise but unfortunately neither is a guarantee against BC. The first instinct many have after a cancer diagnosis is to blame themselves for their diet or habits. On top of that people start telling you to be strong, be positive, .... and all of it when one is going through one of the toughest experiences in modern life.

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    I'm sorry you were offended. I merely stated what my oncologist told me. I thought it was an awful thing to say. She made me cry, which was anything but positive. Attitudes cannot and should not be forced, nor should anyone be made to feel badly for feeling any way they wish when we are going through the fight of our lives.

    All I know is that what I personally choose to focus on has been having an enormous effect on my quality of life as I go through these toxic treatments.

    Best,

    Esther

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2021

    I completely agree that my positive attitude has made my ten years with stage IV easier and less stressed. My objection is anything that implies that maintaining a positive attitude creates or maintains remission or lessens the disease. It puts the onus on the person with bc and that is simply unfair, particularly for the stage IV folk.

    I also wish we could leave religious beliefs out of threads other than those that are specifically for that. We come from all over the world with different faiths or none at all. It can be uncomfortable especially when the post assumes most share those beliefs. This is essentially a secular site and I hope it remains that way.

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    Studies are inconclusive, but I appreciate reading them all. Here is another:

    Positive Thinking Is Powerful During and After Cancer Treatment

    April 29, 2021

    "It's not clear whether a glass-half-full mentality can help patients with cancer live longer. What scientists do know is that there are plenty of perks to positive thinking — some of which have nothing to do with survival rates."

    Amy Paturel

    CURE, CURE® Spring 2021 Issue

    https://www.curetoday.com/view/positive-thinking-i...


  • sunnidays
    sunnidays Member Posts: 124
    edited August 2021

    I am very positive but it's just a personality trait and possibly does make it a bit easier mentaly but I doubt it makes any difference to the outcome of the diseases.

  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited August 2021

    "You're doing it wrong." "You feel the wrong things." "Your faith is wrong."

    What a terrible thing to tell someone dealing with cancer. Or anything, really.

    I had a friend die from breast cancer a few weeks ago. Several weeks before he died, a couple of mutual friends agreed between themselves that he'd done so well with his disease because he was busy and involved in a particular project. Honestly, I expect there is some truth to that. But then he died, so what did he do wrong? Did he not work hard enough on his project? What about the other people who die from BC? Should they have been working on his project, too, and doing it even better than he did?

    I truly believe, Esther, you didn't mean any offense. But the "you're doing it wrong if you don't ..." (fill in the blank) actually is offensive.

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    I want to thank everyone for all of the support I am receiving by private messages. Your unexpected outpouring of love and support has touched my heart. Today was day 12 of 7 weeks of radiation and the burning has officially begun, so it was so nice to read your unexpected and kind messages today. I also thank each who wrote here. I am still learning amidst this mess in my life called cancer. Thank you for your patience with me!

    I am thinking of buying this beautiful stage IV woman's sweet book. She won the Georgia Author of the Year award for her book called, "Cancer, the light at the end of the tunnel." This below was actually the article that inspired me to pen the post that stirred such a hornet's nest.Thank you again, all.

    With love,

    Esther

    CANCER: The Light at the End of the Tunnel by [Jane K Ashley]

    CANCER: The Light at the End of the Tunnel by [Jane K Ashley]https://www.inquirer.com/philly/health/a-cancer-survivor-why-positive-thinking-really-matters-20170725.html

  • nopink2019
    nopink2019 Member Posts: 329
    edited August 2021

    MountainMia-your friend didn't do well with BC, he died. What he did well was keep busy, occupy himself with things he enjoyed & put on a good face to the world. Doing what you enjoy is important whether you have a terminal illness or not. BTW, bc mets is terminal, not chronic as mentioned in an earlier referenced article. Harsh, but true.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2021

    no pink,

    Thank you for bringing up the fact that stage IV is not chronic but terminal. Although we’d like to think the possibility of it being chronic exists, the truth is we don’t know why some folks survive for longer periods of time while most don’t.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2021

    "Positive " can have many meanings. I sure wasn't cheerful when I found out I had cancer, but at that point, I defined "positive" as not surrendering to depression and anxiety ie not allowing my rollercoaster of emotions to prevent me from overcoming the obstacles I faced to getting my treatment started.

    And to show up every day...

    And to put aside my fear/revulsion at having all these scans, needles, punctures, pokes, proddings etc that are part of medical interventions.

    That was all positive as far as I'm concerned. And it did help me live. Had I surrendered to NO I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS SO I WON'T , probably I would be dead by now. Attitude, feelings, emotions are not really a choice but pushing through and showing up - that's a choice.

    Now today, positive means I have gratitude for the outcome so far being as good as it has been. And it means I am going to wring out every last drop of joy and good times that remains for me before I leave this earth.

    I am not living longer because I have a "positive attitude" whatever that is but I am living *today* because I showed up and I continue to do so. Because I found good care and decided to trust my doctors. To me, that's positive.

    Also, not turning into a bitter old lady is one way I enjoy the life I have left. I think that's a choice also. Believe me, I've been to the depressed dark hate-the-world place way before I had cancer, and I never want to go there again. It did nothing to improve my life.

    Please note, the above is only how *I* feel and I don't expect or require that anyone else agree or feel the same way.

  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited August 2021

    I've been sick as a dog with each chemo cycle and started it all with a port incision infection. Breast cancer recurrence. And my mother died of stage 4, many states away, while I was puking from my first chemo treatment. It's been extremely stressful. In all of this, a social worker friend felt it was helpful to repeatedly tell me to lower my stress because stress makes it all worse, without any tangible advice on how to do that. I would ask her how, the response would be, "you know stress is bad for you". Gee, thanks! I will snap my fingers and make that happen. Thanks for the cure all.

    I know she meant well, but that was the wrong thing to (repeatedly) say. Only added onto my stress since I apparently do cancer and bereavement all wrong. No, I'm going to cry in the shower instead.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2021

    gb2115,

    Your post is exactly why I have a problem with the positive attitude pitch. As you stated, it makes people feel as if they’re doing cancer and bereavement wrong. Besides crying in the shower, get yourself a pink pillow and beat the heck out of it!

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited August 2021

    Illimae, get on over here and bring that popcorn!

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited August 2021

    Gb2115, I'm sorry for your loss.

  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited August 2021

    Thank you, and yes I could use a pink pillow to beat!!!

  • Pi-Xi
    Pi-Xi Member Posts: 348
    edited August 2021

    I’m not sure how much a positive attitude does for the patient, but it sure makes other people feel a lot better!

    I don’t say all the positive things but I take positive actions. Hope that’ll keep me healthy.

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited August 2021

    Hmm, that's interesting. I just checked the article cited by the OP, about "Positive Attitude Can Benefit Patients With Chronic Disease". I see that the patients who participated in the positive attitude intervention had chronic coronary artery disease, asthma or hypertension. I'm afraid I don't consider cancer to be in the same category. I do not think Esther's doctor should have laid that idea on her. I do not think it was kind or scientific. Doctors have a great responsibility because we patients put our trust in them. But I am glad, Esther, that you have found ways to feel better.

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    So true!

    GB, I'm still so sorry about losing your mom.

    Thank you, Shetland. Telling me to change my attitude or I wouldn't do well felt like she was telling me with two broken legs to just get up and walk. I was never comfortable around her again. Every time I had to see her, I kept it as short as possible.

    I ended up switching oncologists at the first possible moment after surgery. I love my new one. I wish I'd had him from the beginning.

    Love,

    Esther

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2021

    Not directly related to the topic but Esther brings up something that I feel is very important for all bc patients. Find an mo you are very comfortable with and have confidence in. This is going to be a very important relationship and not quite feeling right about your mo will be stressful in and of itself! Please do not hesitate to change your mo if the fit is not right. My original mo was the head of the oncology department at the large medical facility I belong to. I’m sure he was knowledgeable but he seemed annoyed by my questions. That made it a bad fit. I’m a retired teacher and lifetime academic. I will always ask questions 😂.

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited August 2021

    Esther, good for you, making that switch! I'm so glad you found your new oncologist.

  • nopink2019
    nopink2019 Member Posts: 329
    edited August 2021

    Pi-Xi, you said it well...positive attitude sure makes others feel better. They don't know we stage IV may smile and look good, but

    * wonder if it is worth it to buy spring bulbs because will we be around to see them?

    * hope we can get a few more miles out of our cars because why get a new one when we might not get to put miles on it?

    * can't eat due to scanxiety

    * read these forums not to listen to other's suffering but to know we are not alone and gain strength and wisdom from each other

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2021

    Esther - Your reaction to your first MO where you felt bad when she told you to adopt a positive attitude is what many people feel when they read the title of your post.

    I've never liked the phrase "positive attitude" or "positive thinking". I don't even like that my blood type is B+. It's a struggle. I just try to keep my head above water.


  • Annabelle2
    Annabelle2 Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2021

    The pressure to stay positive for the benefit of others while going through cancer treatment led my always-pleasant, always-sweet, always-faithful mother in law to have a stress-induced series of debilitating panic/anxiety attacks, the last one leading to a stroke on Thursday. I will be surprised if she makes it to the end of the week.

    I'm sure you meant no harm, but posts like this are dangerous and insulting in this environment.

    If you need some more perspective, here's some further reading:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC71662...

    https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?stor...

    https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/toxic-positivity-i...

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/...

    A positive attitude won't eliminate the giant hole in my breast that can't/won't be fixed, won't restore my relationship with my husband, won't changed the fact that my diagnosis was missed for 10 months, or the fact that my oncologist and BS lied to my face, or change the fact that I am stage 3c so I'm just sitting here waiting for the other shoe to drop.

    I can usually scroll past sh!t like this, but this one's too much (or at least belongs in the Pleasant Positive Prayers Only Section).

  • Melbo
    Melbo Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2021

    I can usually find the silver linings in most situations, even cancer — in my case it was caught early and I have a type that responds really well to medication. But as soon as someone starts talking about keeping a positive attitude I start to feel stabby. I can’t imagine how much more angry I would be if I was stage iv or if my cancer hadn’t responded well to treatment. My attitude had zippo to do with any of it, I just got lucky when it came to the cancer wheel o chance.

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    I agree, SerenityStat and Melbo, and appreciate you both.

    Unfortunately, those weren't my words; that was the "exact title" of the article that precipitated my asking the question. Putting quotation marks around the study likely would not have helped.

    I do not see a setting here for editing or removing threads. If you know of a way to do that, kindly let me know. I can, however, erase my original post as I do see that setting and would be happy to do so.

    Thanks most of all to the amazing women who have been privately reaching out to me with such affirmation and encouragement. That meant the world to me, especially right now during radiation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.


    Esther

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2021

    Esther,

    If you want the entire thread removed you need to contact the mods. Only they have the ability to do that.

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited August 2021

    Ugh, when someone deletes the original post instead of adding to it with an edit, we lose the context of the discussion that follows. Positive thinking and cancer is a topic worth discussing. As Esther saw, it can elicit strong feelings and opinions. I hope you did not take these personally, Esther, and I know you are new to this disease and in the thick of treatment, still trying to figure out what positivity is or ought to be for you.

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