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CancerLynx - we prowl the net
June 1, 2009

Steps For Improving Your Quality of Life
Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD and Isadora A. Rosenbaum, MA

Cancer - because it can have an impact on every aspect of your life, from your faith and the quality of your relationships to your physical being and your career is an assault on your life. Yet, as we have seen with so many of our patients, it need not destroy the quality of your life.
1. Conserve your energy for essential or pleasurable activities.
2. Work collaboratively with your medical team so that you can get the best possible medical and supportive care.
3. Avoid procrastination.
4. Set realistic, achievable goals.
5. Don't let mistakes debilitate or destroy you. move on.
6. Avoid negative thinking and self-destructive behavior.
7. Make end-of-life decisions, including writing legal and medical wills, and an Advanced Directive.
8. Take control. Even when your prognosis is not good, you still have choices.
9. Try to maintain your hope, endurance, faith, and courage.
10. Seek spiritual guidance from your faith, community, religious or inspirational readings, or other sources.
11. Acknowledge your need for psychological support and seek assistance from a professional counselor, pastor, social worker, or a wise friend or family member.
12. Learn new techniques to promote relaxation, such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation.
13. Engage in pleasurable diversions, such as art, music,
hobbies, social events, and physical activities. 14. Give of yourself to others.
15. Strengthen your relationships by spending more quality time with family members and friends.
16. Recognize the sources of your anger and use techniques
of forgiveness and mindful meditation to move on.
17. Try not to let your illness dominate your life.
18. Be willing to make the necessary compromises as you go through treatment.

Reprinted by permission from You Are Not Alone
A Practical Guide for Maintaining Your Quality of Life While Living with Cancer
http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/Yana

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