Nurturing a Hobby or Outside Interest
Find a distraction, something that will divert attention from yourself. Follow a favorite sports team via the TV or attend games when possible. Join a quilting group. Read books. Paint. Workout at your favorite health club if feasible. Continue working as much as you can. Fun is an important ingredient in getting well.
My diversion came in the form of my daughter Rebecca's basketball. I scheduled my chemotherapy around her basketball games. I read about the games in the paper, attended all of the home games, and traveled to those away games within a three-hour drive. I cheered, ate popcorn, and yelled at the refs. I allowed myself the luxury of getting completely lost in the excitement of the moment.
Finding a support group
It has been shown that those survivors who have a support group fare better than those who do not. Most hospitals sponsor groups for cancer patients; some sponsor groups specifically for breast cancer patients. Try it... you may like it! If not, there are other groups which form the basis for social interaction that you may find rewarding: church groups, senior groups, and health clubs.
I attended a wonderful support group for breast cancer patients for several months.
However, I found it difficult to discuss cancer at each meeting. I needed something different, something uplifting, something more. I found it in a twelve-step program for spiritual growth at a church in a neighboring community.
