Cancer at Christmas

This was an article I found on the internet. It was actually published at Christmastime, 2008 by the Cancer Council Victoria in Australia. It's still useful information so I thought I would put part of it on Joyce's Chemo Caps blog.

Celebrating Christmas can be difficult for people who have experienced a major change or loss in their life. Feelings of loneliness, isolation and sadness are common and Christmas traditions can be painful reminders of how different life has become.
Coping strategies

Sharing experiences and coping strategies can help people get through difficult times.

If you are in treatment for cancer: Set realistic expectations
Consider online shopping and/or gift vouchers for Christmas presents. This can save both time and energy.
If you're experiencing financial issues, consider ‘Kris Kringle' or making home-made gift vouchers for things such as babysitting, gardening, or a picnic.
Booking Christmas lunch or dinner at a restaurant, arranging a picnic at a local park, or simply asking people to bring a contribution to the Christmas meal can reduce stress.
If you're having treatment over Christmas, consider having a low-key day on December 25 and plan a celebration at the end of treatment.
Express your needs.
Tell others if you're finding it difficult to cope and accept offers of help. Be specific about things people can do to assist.

Be gentle with yourself.
Give yourself permission to get through Christmas the best way you can. Try to accept any limitations and remember Christmas doesn't have to be perfect.
Mood swings and feelings of loss are common over Christmas. Allow yourself some time to grieve and reflect.
Have an exit plan prepared for times when you may find a family gathering or party overwhelming.
Keep activities simple and non-strenuous.
Fatigue is a common side effect after cancer treatment. Avoid overwhelming numbers of visitors and long car trips. As energy levels may fluctuate, sometimes it can be helpful to plan the day's activities and then halve them. Allow for rest time during the day.
Keep meals simple. If the person with cancer has had to change their diet, serve food that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Create new rituals:
If your usual Christmas rituals or traditions are too painful, consider replacing with a new ritual or tradition that is special to you.
Seek support:
Talking to someone about your feelings can reduce feelings of distress and isolation. Family and friends can be a good source of support.

We, at Joyce's Chemo Cap Project, hope you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy 2010.

Merry Christmas from Joyce's Chemo Cap Project

Merry Christmas from all of the knitters and crocheters to all of you who have cancer, have survived cancer or have lost a loved one from cancer. We hope that our caps have given to each person who wears our cap a little happiness, a little dignity and a little comfort. Each cap was made with love and with a prayer for the person who gets the cap. We wish for you and all your loved ones the joy and wonder of the season. Most of all, we hope that you will all find peace during this special time of the year.
Lena, Vivian and Jan want to thank everyone who has made a cap or caps for our project. And a thank you to all who have donated yarn or money for our project. We pray for a blessing for you and your families who have given blessings to so many. Christmas is a time for giving but you have given all year.
We want to thank Joyce's family who have been so supportive and helpful to us. You are all special people. Joyce did a good job raising you.
And, thank you, Joyce. We love you.

A Christmas Poem

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.
- Norman W. Brooks –

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!