Cancer Distractions
Here are a few things that helped me take my mind off cancer, even if just for a little while. I've also included other ideas that I wish I would have tried to incorporate. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Reality TV
Am I ashamed to say this? No. Absolutely not. Below Deck and Love is Blind got me through some very dark moments.
​
It was kind of strange to watch other people living their lives without the worries that cancer drops on us. But it definitely took my mind off of my life and death situation. I was able to "get caught up in" the drama of boat life or love life and forget what I was going through, even if it was for only 30 minutes a day.
​
My recommendations:
Below Deck, Love is Blind, The Great British Bake Off, or go old skool with MTV's The Real World
Bible Reading and Devotionals
My bed was my safe space. And next to it I had a stack of books - two Bibles and a few different devotionals or study guides.
​
I never felt like reading for more than a few minutes at a time, but when I did I felt productive. I felt that I was actively pursuing God and the Word he provided. It was comforting and encouraging.
​
My recommendations:
The Bible (I prefer NLT or AMP for chemo brain), Jesus Calling, Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
Games
My poor husband was desperate to find something to entertain me during my chemo treatments. The inpatient days were the hardest. And one of the only things I would say "yes" to doing was playing UNO. It required little brain power and sometimes we'd modify the rules to a ridiculous level and SOMETIMES I'd smile and laugh. I'd almost forget that I was hooked up to an IV 24/7.
​
My recommendations:
UNO
Puzzles and Puzzle Books
Christmas came right after diagnosis and I had been gifted a couple of puzzles books with word searches, connect-the-dots, etc. They were slightly on the easy side which helped my brain relax from all of the emotions I was trying to process. It was something I could pick up and complete in 10-15 minutes without getting frustrated.
​
I also worked on a couple of puzzles right after diagnosis. During treatment my husband helped me complete some LEGO sets.
​
Child-like? Yes. But comforting.
Sports
I had jumped on the Formula One bandwagon when Netflix debuted Drive to Survive. Thankfully, F1 is almost a year-round sport. And while I couldn't watch the races due to nausea, I still tried to stay up-to-date on the standings and what was happening on and off the track.
​
It also gave me something to root for or to have conversations about, taking the focus off the cancer.
​
My recommendations:
Formula One, Premiere League, Golf (which is quite relaxing to watch)
Audio Books
Every person is different, and while I did not find much success in listening to music or audio books, I think this would be fantastic for others to try. Now that I'm continuing a "normal" life, I've been reading and listening a lot more. It's at least a good way to stay off screens for a bit.
Journaling
I can't recall whose idea it was at the time, but I did set up a CaringBridge site to share my cancer updates with friends and family. I even had complete strangers following and encouraging me. Both my mom and husband would make updates and I would occasionally too. It was helpful for me to share my thoughts and experiences and the absolute misery I was going through at the time. It supplied a good way for people to support me and know what to pray for.
I'm sure there are other apps that are similar to CaringBridge as well. Or if you don't want to share with others, it's a good idea to write in your own personal journal. I also had a prayer journal I wrote desperate cries out to God in.