Navigating the Holiday Season with a Cancer Diagnosis

Do you wonder how to navigate the holiday season while battling a cancer diagnosis? Join us as we seek answers in a holiday edition of Cancer Care Connections with Susan Miller and Andrea Edwards from Virginia Oncology Associates. These women are here to provide some much-needed guidance on combating stress during the holiday season. They offer an assortment of strategies, from practicing meditation to engaging in exercise, and stress the significance of leaning on your loved ones. and expressing your needs. Remember, it's completely okay to ask for help and create new traditions that work best for you during this season of your life.

We reveal a sneak peek into our next episode featuring Dr. Christopher Pashold, who'll be shedding light on screening and treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer.  

The holidays can be a joyful time.  Let's not forget to appreciate the moments, lean on our support systems, and keep open lines of communication with our healthcare teams. Everyone, have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Thank you for listening! If you're interested in hearing more from Virginia Oncology Associates, make sure to subscribe to Cancer Care Connections on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere podcasts are available, or listen online at cancercareconnections.buzzsprout.com.

Cancer Care Connections is the official podcast of Virginia Oncology Associates. For more information, visit us at VirginiaCancer.com. or find us on Facebook or Instagram at Virginia Oncology Associates.

Transcript

Jennifer: 0:06

Welcome to a special holiday edition of Cancer Care Connections. The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for just about anyone, but when you add in having to deal with an illness such as cancer, the stress may be greater. In this short episode, we will be discussing ways to enjoy the holiday season and cherish time with your family and friends. Today, I would like to introduce to you Susan Miller and Andrea Edwards from Virginia Oncology Associates. They will be giving us tips on how to deal with stress and anxiety during the holiday season, especially for those who are currently facing a cancer diagnosis. Before we dive into this topic, ladies, would you mind telling us a little bit about yourselves? Susan, why

Susan: 0:58

I've been an oncology PA for the past 17 years and I've been here at Virginia Oncology for almost 5 years now. I am currently one of the supervisors for the APPs.

Andrea: 1:10

And I'm a physician assistant practicing an oncology. I've been with Virginia Oncology for 12 years and I also act as the advanced practice provider manager here as well.

Jennifer: 1:21

Well, thank you for joining us. Before we get into the tips you have for our listeners, I would like to find out what you ladies do to help manage your stress during the holidays.

Susan: 1:31

Well, my family is spread across the country so I don't have a lot here locally, but my family and my animals are definitely a source of de-stressing for me, regardless of whether it's holiday time or not. I have several dogs. When I get home they take my complete focus, my poor husband. But I also will try to meditate or do some exercise, just really, you know, focus on my blessings and try to take care of myself.

Andrea: 2:05

For me, I love this time of the year. Also, I love to spend time with my family. For me it's looking at; I love going around getting in the car, packing everybody up and going out and looking at the light displays, whether we're walking around and bundling up. In addition to that, I have some holiday traditions: I love cookie baking. I grew up cookie baking with my grandmother and that's something that I have passed down to my children. We invite friends over and we have a day of just baking and decorating and it is so much fun.

Jennifer: 2:37

That sounds amazing. You're making me want to go home and decorate cookies right now. Now let's get into what the holidays mean for someone diagnosed with cancer. From what I understand, fatigue is common when undergoing cancer treatment, as your body is under a great deal of stress. What can you do to manage fatigue during the holiday season?

Susan: 2:56

Well, you should have kind of an understanding about what you can and cannot do, and really you should rest when your body tells you to rest. And then try to do what you can do in between that. Make sure that you're communicating with your family members, friends, or caretakers about how you're feeling, how you're doing on treatment, so that they can understand your level of participation; what you may or may not be able to participate or help them do during this time. Make sure that you're prioritizing activities that are most important to you so that way you're not missing out.

Andrea: 3:29

And don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help. It is often hard for us to do that but definitely ask for help. They can support you with shopping, wrapping gifts, preparing meals, and helping take care of kids.

Jennifer: 3:47

Asking for help is definitely important, and I really like how you mentioned prioritizing the activities that are most important to you. Stress and anxiety are also common during a cancer diagnosis, and the holidays can add to those feelings. What are ways you suggest managing this?

Andrea: 4:04

Communication is key. Definitely speak up. Let people know what you're physically and emotionally up for. If you don't do that, they won't know.

Andrea: 4:14

Don't be afraid to stray from holiday routines and traditions. This is a great time to try something new, such as having someone else perhaps prepare the meals, maybe go out or consider getting takeout. You can also pass the torch to someone else. If you're typically the person that hosts the holiday traditions, maybe you're the person that brings a special dish and you can contribute in various other ways. Instead of gifts, consider experiences that you can spend time with your family and friends. Don't try to do everything you normally do. It's okay.

Andrea: 4:52

Take breaks when you need them. Choose the things, the items, the traditions that really are the most important to you. Traveling may be difficult for a multitude of reasons, but don't let that get you down. You know, take advantage of things like FaceTime, and video calling, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. That way, you can see your family and friends from far away. Don't be afraid to create new traditions. This is kind of a time for new normals. Also, just make sure you take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest. You know other things I think that can help with decreasing that stress and anxiety are journaling, listening to books on tape (I guess I would say), podcasts, and then things just like as yoga massage, treat yourself, do something special.

Susan: 5:44

I would also say that you should be giving yourself grace during this time. You know we're oftentimes our own worst critics and we try to be superhuman at times around the time of the holidays, so just don't let that be the case during this season, or actually forever, for that matter. You know, if you're feeling down, don't be afraid to seek support. Mental health is key all year round, but sometimes folks need a little extra support during the holidays. Don't be afraid to speak with your doctor or your APP about how you're feeling during this time. Sometimes it can take a while to get an appointment with your team, so if you do decide to go this route, don't hesitate to go ahead and make that appointment.

Susan: 6:29

Exercise is important regardless of the holiday season, so exercise as you tolerate it. Even walking around the block or walking to the mailbox can help. If you're going to the grocery store or one of the big box clubs, you can just walk around inside where it's warmer, and you can still get that exercise. Seek support within your faith community, if you do have strong faith. There's always someone willing to listen and share, and to be able to help you as well. There are support groups that are online or in person, and even using stress management or meditation apps, whether they're on your computer or on your phone, can be helpful. There are lots to choose from, and many of them are free.

Jennifer: 7:15

That's a lot of great tips for those that are undergoing cancer treatment. Do you have any advice for caregivers out there who are taking care of someone who is diagnosed with cancer?

Susan: 7:26

So I think that caregivers should try to make it a practice to listen to and follow the suggestions of the person that's diagnosed with cancer that they're sharing with them. Making sure that regular communication with family and friends. Make sure that they're in the loop as to what's going on and how they're feeling. Be sure to have permission from the person you're caring for that you're allowed to share this personal information about their health status with other people. Make sure to ask for help and please accept that help. It isn't always easy to do that. Whether you're going through cancer treatment or not, each and every one of us will need help at some point in our lives, and so it's important to be able to ask for and receive that help.

Andrea: 8:10

We talked about this earlier where we could do things such as meal preparation services to help mealtime become more simplified. How do we simplify attending events? Maybe asking others to help get folks to other locations? Maybe we can watch something online, versus attending in person and then again participating in holiday traditions. Again, maybe those things just look a little different. Very important, keep self-care at the top of the list. As caregivers, we have very important jobs taking care of and providing support to our family members and friends. Learn how to recognize those signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety and, again, like Susan said, don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need help from time to time.

Jennifer: 8:57

Yes, that we do. I like how you said that you ask for help and accept the help. I think that's something we all need to remember, that when people are willing to help us, we need to make sure that we accept that help from them.

Susan: 9:09

Well, you can't take care of someone else if you don't take care of yourself.

Jennifer: 9:14

Very, very t rue. Gift-giving is also a big part of the holiday season. What would you recommend giving a person going through treatment?

Andrea: 9:21

Well. Recognizing the needs of each person receiving the treatment is key. Everyone's experience and treatment journey is unique to them. Things that you might want to consider might include items such as music or video subscriptions that they can use while they are receiving their treatment. They can bring books or puzzles to help pass the time. Also include things like blankets, pillows, and water bottles. Gifts of errands: I love this idea. Give a gift of providing a meal, a night or two, and offer to do shopping for them or even help with chores around the house. Gift cards for things like gas or food are also a really good idea. I personally, over the years, have made several gift baskets for family and friends undergoing treatment and I've included many of these things within those gift baskets. I've also included things like snacks that can help when your stomach is upset, also beverages of choice, and, just sometimes, some of their favorite activities I will include in the basket.

Jennifer: 10:23

I really like all of the items that you included for people during their treatment time, because we don't ever think about that. They'll need things like during their daily lives, but they'll also need those things for treatment, considering some of them go to treatment multiple times during the month. Is that true?

Susan: 10:39

Absolutely. Sometimes even multiple times during the week.

Jennifer: 10:43

Do you have any other advice for our listeners about dealing with stress for the holidays?

Susan: 10:46

I think this goes for everyone who would be listening. The big one is don't overdo it. Cherish the time that you get to spend with your family and your friends, but, most importantly, make sure that you're listening to your body. Your body is going to tell you what you can and cannot do, and only you are going to know what you're capable of handling. You need to make sure that you communicate with others how you're feeling, so you're not expected to do something you're not able to do.

Jennifer: 11:14

Thank you, ladies, for joining us today. Do you have anything else you'd like to send out to our listeners?

Susan: 11:18

I just want to wish everyone a happy holiday season, be safe and try to stay healthy as much as you can.

Andrea: 11:25

Thank you for having me. Again, I agree with Susan. Happy holidays to everyone and really just pause, take time to enjoy. Thank you.

Jennifer: 11:37

That's all for this episode of Cancer Care Connections. Thank you for your love and support this year. From all of us at Virginia Oncology Associates, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a wonderful new year. Lean into your support system this holiday season and cherish all the memories you will make. If you have any questions regarding your health and treatment this holiday season, make sure to reach out healthcare your team. They are there to support you on your treatment journey. Join us in the new year with Dr. Christopher Paschold. He and Cheryl will discuss the importance of screening for those with non-small cell lung cancer, as well as how improved treatment options have increased chances for long-term positive outcomes. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast via Apple Podcast, Spotify or anywhere podcasts are available, or listen online at cancercareconnections. buzzprout. com. Cancer Care Connections is the official podcast of Virginia Oncology Associates. For more information, visit us at virginiacancer. com or find us on Facebook or Instagram at Virginia Oncology Associates.