Cancer
Resources
This journey is not easy no matter how you look at it. Through this journey I have found a so many resources that have made the journey easier to travel and have helped me process the grief of this trauma. Here are some of the resources I've found most supportive during this time. Everyone's journey is different and no two journeys are the same, but I hope maybe one of these resources might be what you are looking for in this season of hurt, disappointment, and waiting. Some may be helpful to you and some may not, so feel free to take what your heart needs in this season.
I've included the titles of Podcasts as well as highlighted some of the episodes that I found especially helpful. During my grieving process, I found podcasts easy to play because most are short and not a huge commitment. They became one small step I used in my healing. Check out the podcasts here.
Spending time on social media in a season of grief can sometimes do more harm than good - there's people using it for the highlight real of their life when your world seems to be crumbling over and over. Finding profiles to follow that speak truths into your life and remind you that you are not alone can be a game changer. There are hundreds if not thousands of cancer and/or encouragement instagram profiles so I chose to highlight the ones I've found that have been helpful. Check out the profiles here.
Books speak to my English teacher heart, but I'm totally honest with you I found books hard to handle during this season. They seemed overwhelming, but these are a few that I found that were in easy to bite chunks, the message was so strong that reading it didn't seem overwhelming, or a mixture of both. I also found audiobooks to be helpful also (no it's not cheating reading). You'll find a mix of adult books and devotionals that might be supportive for you. Check out the books here.
When I found it so difficult to find words to describe my feelings or when I was dragging my feet to worship because my heart hurt so much, I found so much healing in songs - sometimes listening sometimes singing along no matter how bad I sounded or how many tears were falling. Songs have a way of speaking to us when nothing seems to be going right. Check out the songs here.
There is healing that can be found in finding things to cheer you on or share your story in a subtle way or not so subtle way, and there's no rule against treating yourself or your partner a little bit, either. Many of these shops also support others who are in or have experienced the same struggle of cancer. Check out the shop idea here.
Other Things I Found Helpful
So many of these resources have helped me process, grieve, and move through this journey. In addition to these resources, I also found a few activities cathartic and helpful for myself and Dilan to process the loss, disappointment, and waiting. My biggest suggestion, do what you need for you - there is no right way to grieve. Check out the ideas here.
To be honest, the Low Iodine Diet to prepare for Radioactive Iodine SUCKED. My two weeks of the diet fell the last two weeks of school so that didn't help either - I felt rushed, didn't have very many resources and just was scrounging stuff together it felt like. Since then, I've found many resources that I wish I would have known about. Hopefully they help you or someone you love! Check out the resources here!
