A New Normal and New Holiday Traditions
I have always had a love-hate relationship with the holidays. I love socializing but get stressed by the work that goes into a successful gathering. When I was in the final stages of radiation treatment, fatigue was a daily occurrence.
It is extremely difficult to go through treatment during most times of the year. Going through it during the holidays has an emotional impact that is hard to describe. If I was in a happy moment and couldn't enjoy it, I took a step back to check in with myself. I had to prioritize my well-being and be in tune with my thoughts and feelings. This was not easy for me. I really had to concentrate on this.
“Managing the holidays while undergoing treatment for cancer can be challenging,” says Sean Powell, LCSW, OSW-C, Sr. Director of Care Management. “You are juggling medical appointments, the side effects of treatment and social commitments. It’s best to be honest with yourself and your loved ones about what you can realistically do. Some things to consider are participating in events through FaceTime or a similar app, planning time to rest before special events you want to attend, prioritizing what you want to participate in and graciously declining other events.”
As I was sitting waiting to be called for my treatment, I realized that I had to set realistic expectations. I had to create a simple plan, pace myself and avoid blaming myself for creating a new normal. That day, sitting and waiting to be called for treatment, I set realistic expectations for myself. I would create new traditions and lean on others for support.
As the holidays approached, I found myself looking forward to the season with a renewed sense of hope and determination. Cooking a wonderful meal has always been important (and in the end, stressful) to me. I decided to create a much simpler meal. To my surprise my loved ones not only enjoyed it, but wanted to participate in this new tradition by creating their own dishes and sharing them with us.
I have always enjoyed walking. After the meal, I suggested a gentle stroll, which turned out to be perfect. We enjoyed the weather and the beauty of the nearby park. As it turns out, my new awareness of my situation has helped me move on with my life in a positive way.
If you need additional support coping with the added stress of the holidays, please call Moffitt’s department of Social Work at 813-745-8407.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.