Coping with Cancer: Seeking Support in Isolation

It's a difficult predicament - we want to connect, but some of us are not well enough to socialize much. I am helped by listening to other cancer survivors on a YouTube channel called, "Patient Story". It is interesting to hear about all the different cancer journeys. I also send my friends and family short notes to let them know I'm thinking about and missing them. One more idea: check out Insight Timer online. There is a lot of free meditation music. Some are with guides. ²This is how I calm down, get out of my head. I use it every night to go to sleep! I hope you will try it.

This is what works for me. ; - ))

You are very kind and motherly for your daughter. I don't know what it would be like to be isolated since my wife and daughters have been very kind and caring. The times when I find myself with negative thoughts and feelings, I try to use distraction therapy. I try to concentrate on good memories. Sometimes reading is helpful. Sometimes consoling another person who is struggling can help you as much or more than the other one. Try to concentrate on positive energy. Green pastures with a little bit of shade and a slight breeze on a sunny day. Take good care!

Why are you isolated? You need to talk with people.

I'm 66 and trying to recover from stage one pancreatic cancer and all that it entails. My oncologist had a lousy bedside manner and told me right after my surgery that "Pancreatic Cancer Always comes back!" Good thing to tell someone who lost their little sister at 44 years old. Now I'm living in fear of when it's coming back. It's kind of like having a gun pointed at your head waiting for someone to pull the trigger! I just want to stay sleeping and never wake up again! How do I deal with the thought that It's coming back and the chemo was a waste of time?!

Oh and my little sister died from pancreatic cancer 😔😪

Hey Judy, that is a brutal thing to say to someone who is struggling with cancer. I'm not a doctor for sure but I think hope and positivity are good treatments. I know it will be difficult to put hope and positivity in front of that but try to make it part of the cancer fight. It is my understanding that stage one means the cancer is localized and has not been detected outside of the organ of origin. This is great news. You have made the first step in the right direction by expressing some of your anger here in a safe and non-judgmental space. I have been in mental health therapy for a long time and it is another one of those spaces where you can feel safe to turn your fears into hope and strength for your future. I hope you have love and support from those around you. Try to stay focused on the positive things and don't be afraid to express your anger and turn it into positive energy. I wish you well in your journey forward.

Hi Christina, maybe going to church or a religious center can help with loneliness. Great place to meet folks with compassion and willing to lend an ear. Also, there are many support group and outlets here in Outcomes4me and in other places. We can fight this battle alone. It certainly helps bouncing things of others, like on this chat. Wishing you the best moving forward.

Judy, dispare, anxiety, and depression is real. Especially when dealing with illnesses that can be terminal. Having an emotionally disconnected doctor certainly does not help. I recommend seeking a second opinion and counseling. Wishing you the best moving forward.

Gerry, Thank you for your great support and suggestions. I’ve tried a couple of church’s by me but with no real warmth and say bused at two of the churches. The third one was a lot of younger people whom were nice but not much in common. So, I am trying. And, I’m always very hopeful! Thank you 💕

I don't socialize either. We moved to this town 10 years ago and met only a few friends. Our fault. I had lung cancer in 2015 and they took out one of my lobes. Life went on. Now I'm diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma. Since it's terminal, I wouldn't feel right trying to make new friends now. I went thru 4 infusions of chemo, but the tumor grew so I stopped that and got a new doctor at a different hospital. I went thru two infusions of immunotherapy when that had to stop due to severe diarrhea. Been taking prednisone for 2 months for it. Next Friday I start infusions of entyvio for lupus. I am not on any treatment for my cancer at the moment.

Hey Donna, very difficult indeed what you've been through, going through, and diagnosis. I'm sure it's even more difficult and frustrating trying to stay positive. I truly couldn't imagine even having cancer myself. When I have difficult days and worse days, I write my feelings and thoughts downs. This helps me, even if for a short period - but it helps. I'm no poet; in fact disliked poetry class in high-school. But I'll share one of my poems that I recently wrote while at the gym of all places. One never knows when thoughts pop into the brain. Hope it relates and/or helps your situation. "Monsters" Monsters come in different ways, shapes, and sizes. Some physical and some imagined, but all scary and should be examined - for all are true to the person living that reality, and incredibly damaging in their totality to oneself and loving personalities. Monsters attack the mind and open roads to dark places - driving dispare, depression and distruction...my Lord send your Angels to help us survive the mind's abduction and seduction by the Dark Angel...the Devil, Lucifer - the many names he bares althought hidden to influence your children...who are often beaten by the pressures of living, instead of basking in your glory, inside the garden of Eden. Monsters attack the physical self, via illnesses and diseases, which never dismisses the reality that life is precious in whole and in part...the heart...yes!...a very important part to the body and soul and journey to comfort, the only window some have to camouflage the suffering that comes with knowing one's time is shortened. Poem By Gerry S

I’m sorry Donna, you sound in great spirits and it appears your trying a variety of treatments that your not responding well too. I’m here if you ever want to bounce off any thoughts, feelings or just to chit chat about anything. I’m sending you flowers that are well deserved dear. 💐🌻🌷🌺🪻Have a beautiful day.💕🙏

Thank you for sharing your experience with such honesty and courage. Isolation during cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, and reaching out to this community shows real strength in seeking connection during a difficult time. For the loneliness you're experiencing, please scroll down the page from the Home Screen of the app to find the Ask Outcomes4Me box to get in touch for a more personal conversation and connect with our clinical care experts who can provide additional support resources. If you're ever feeling in crisis, the 988 hotline is available 24/7 for immediate support. This community understands the unique challenges of balancing cancer treatment with relationships and daily life - your question about coping strategies may resonate with many others here who can share their experiences.