It is the time of the year when most people are enjoying a break and catching up with family and friends, but for people with cancer it can feel anything but festive.
For some, there is no respite from their treatment over the holidays, nor for the clinicians caring for them, so Cancer Council WA has developed a simple guide for patients and health professionals about how to cope with cancer.
It says feelings of loneliness, isolation and sadness are common, and traditions over the holiday period can be painful reminders of how different life has become.
To help, CCWA has put together these tips:
Be flexible
It is important to be flexible about the way you celebrate the festive season as it can create stress for yourself and others by trying to maintain traditions that aren’t practical during this time of your life. Let go of trying to have the perfect holiday season.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Don’t have the stamina to do all the shopping? Try asking someone to do it for you or shop online. Consider buying your groceries online and have them delivered.
Don’t bottle things up
Tell your loved ones how you are feeling rather than pretending to be strong. That way they can show their support by caring and assisting. This will help you all feel closer during this special time of year.
Be kind and gentle
If this is your first festive season without a loved one it can be very difficult. The first year after a loved one passing away is very difficult as you are faced with many significant events without them for the first time. Be kind and gentle with yourself and share with others about how you are feeling.
Avoid things that add stress
The holiday season is often a stressful time especially if you or a loved one is living with cancer. Give yourself and your loved ones permission to get through this time of year the best way you can.
Plan ahead
Good planning can help reduce anxiety. Plan ahead and know who to contact if you have a problem. Make sure you have enough prescription medicine for this time.
Practice self-care
This festive season does not signify how the rest of your holiday seasons will be. Practice self-care and recognise this is just how things are at this time.
What support is available?
One of the most important things to remember is that you don’t have to go through it alone.
Cancer Council WA says talking to someone about what you’re feeling can really help, and family and friends are a great source of support and can be very understanding.
But people can also speak to CCWA’s specially trained staff on 13 11 20 Information and Support Line which lists the times the service will be available over Christmas and New Year.