Friday, November 25, 2022

The Emotional Toll of Cancer

In the book Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer, young Jeannie Ann asks her grandma if Cancer hurts. Her grandma replied, "Cancer can make our feelings hurt way down deep inside." This is a powerful lesson that many people can learn from.

It's easy to see how Cancer can cause physical pain. The treatments, the surgeries, the fatigue, and more can all take a toll on a person's body. But it's important to remember that Cancer also causes emotional pain. The worry, the anxiety, the stress, and the sadness can be overwhelming for someone dealing with Cancer.

The worry and anxiety of Cancer can be debilitating. A person with Cancer may worry about their health, treatment, job, finances, and family. They may worry about the future and what will happen if they lose their battle with Cancer. The anxiety of not knowing what will happen can be overwhelming.

In addition to worry and anxiety, Cancer can also cause stress. Stress can come from all aspects of a person's life - from their job, relationships, and environments. It can be hard to cope with all the changes that come with Cancer. The treatments, the appointments, the medications - it can all be very stressful. And when a person is under a lot of stress, it cannot be easy to focus on anything else. 

A diagnosis of Cancer can also lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness. It can be hard to see your friends and family going about their lives while you're in the hospital or at home receiving treatment. It's natural to feel isolated during this time. 

Cancer not only hurts physically but also takes an emotional toll on patients and families. It's important to remember that people with Cancer are fighting a battle on both fronts. If you know someone who has been diagnosed with Cancer, offer your support and understanding. It'll make a world of difference in their fight against this disease.

Friday, November 18, 2022

The Importance of Family for a Cancer Patient

When you're fighting Cancer, it can feel like you're in it all alone. You might feel like you're the only one who understands what you're going through and that no one else can help you. But that's not true—your family can support you during your cancer journey. In the book Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer, the importance of family for a cancer patient has also been highlighted. 

Here are three ways having a supportive family can make all the difference for a cancer patient: 

Emotional support: Dealing with Cancer can be an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you might feel hopeful and optimistic, and the next minute you might feel scared and overwhelmed. It's normal to experience a wide range of emotions during treatment, and having a supportive family can make all the difference. They can provide much-needed encouragement when you're feeling down and be a shoulder to cry on when you need it. 

Practical support: Cancer treatment can be physically and mentally draining, making everyday tasks impossible. That's where your family can help out. Whether picking up groceries for you or taking your dog for a walk, practical functions like these can take a load off your plate and allow you to focus on getting better. 

Financial support: Cancer treatment is expensive and is not always covered by insurance. If you're struggling to cover the costs of treatment, your family may be able to help out with medical bills or even day-to-day living expenses. This can take a massive weight off your shoulders and allow you to focus on getting well. 

If you're dealing with Cancer, know that you don't have to go through it alone—your family can be there for you every step of the way. From providing emotional support to offering practical help, your family can make all the difference during this difficult time. So lean on them when you need to and know they'll be there for you.

Friday, November 11, 2022

Cancer is Not a Death Sentence

One of the first things Jeannie Ann learns in the book Jeannie Ann's Grandmas Has Breast Cancer is that Cancer is not always fatal. During this time, Jeannie Ann continues to spend time with her grandmother and create lasting memories. This eventually leads to Jeannie Ann's understanding that Cancer does not have to be a death sentence; sometimes, people can beat the disease and live long and happy lives.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Cancer, it is essential to remember this lesson and keep fighting. Here are three reasons why Cancer is not a death sentence:

1. Early detection is key. 

The earlier Cancer is detected, the better the chances are for successful treatment. While there is no surefire way to prevent Cancer, early detection can dramatically increase the chances of survival. Remember to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor and to be vigilant about any changes in your health.

2. Advances in medicine mean more treatment options than ever before. 

In the past, Cancer was often treated with highly invasive procedures that did more harm than good. Many different treatment options are available today, from surgery to radiation to chemotherapy. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.

3. You are not alone. 

Cancer can be a very isolating disease, but you are not alone. Many support groups and resources are available to help you through this difficult time. Contact family and friends for support and look into local resources like cancer centers or hospitals. YOU can also join an online community like Cancer Survivors Network (CSN), where you can connect with others who have been through similar experiences.

Jeannie Ann's grandma taught her an important lesson in Davies' book - Cancer is not a death sentence. Remember these three things if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Cancer: early detection is critical, many different treatment options are available, and you are not alone. With these lessons in mind, continue fighting and never give up hope.

I think this is an important book for children because it helps them understand what Cancer is and how to deal with it in a healthy way. Cancer can be a complex subject for adults, let alone children, so this book provides a good starting point for discussion.

Just because someone has Cancer does not mean they will die instantly; they are still the same person they have always been - just with a few extra scars.

by Diane Davies,

author, Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer