Local oncologist offers tips for cancer patients enduring holiday stresses
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – December 17, 2010 Tampa, Fla. — While the holidays are a joyous time of year, most of us feel a little added stress during the holiday season. Family gatherings, holiday preparations and finding those perfect gifts create stress for almost everyone. However, for those living with cancer, this anxiety can be magnified by treatments, lack of energy and the overall difficulties of dealing with the disease. So how do those coping with cancer have a cheery holiday?
“It can be overwhelming,” says CyberKnife Centers of Tampa Bay oncologist, Debra Freeman, M.D. “Living with cancer can be an everyday stressor but the demands of the holidays only intensify that feeling, especially if the patient doesn’t take time to rest and take care of him/herself.”
There are many ways, however, to cope with cancer while still enjoying the holidays. Freeman offers a few tips of advice to manage the holiday stresses and issues that may appear this season. “Keeping a positive attitude is always number one. In most cases there will be many more holidays to come and this is just a rough patch. In other cases, time is precious and being grateful for every moment is vital,” advises Freeman.
Tips for the Season
Understand your boundaries when preparing for the holidays. “Don’t push yourself beyond your limits,” says Freeman. “Be realistic about your holiday goals and don’t feel that everything must be absolutely perfect.” If you need to, delegate others in your family to help with preparations. Consider alternatives to cooking all of the holiday dinner yourself, such as a potluck or enjoying dinner at another family member’s house.
Make sure to get plenty of rest. It is important to take a break from the hustle and bustle to prevent becoming overly fatigued. Whether you simply take quiet time away for yourself or retreat to take a nap, making time for yourself will alleviate some of your stress.
Spend quality time with your friends and family. While taking moments for yourself is essential, celebrating the holidays alone is difficult. Find a balance between the two and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Talk to your doctor. “Depending upon the stage of cancer, it may be possible to take a break from, or at least reduce, radiation or chemotherapy treatment,” says Freeman. “Many physicians will work with patients to help minimize the treatment side effects so they can better enjoy their holidays.” Freeman does emphasize listening to your doctor’s recommendation, however. While a treatment break or reduction may be suitable for some patients, it is not recommended for all.
“And remember,” says Freeman, “for those living with cancer, there is no specific way you should approach the holidays. Only you can determine the method that is right for you.”
About CyberKnife Centers of Tampa Bay
CyberKnife Centers of Tampa Bay was founded in 2008 when a group of radiation oncologists with extensive backgrounds and a combined 45 years of radiosurgical experience, opened the first CyberKnife Center in Tampa Bay, located on the campus of Town and Country Hospital. Drawing on their experience with CyberKnife in centers in Miami, Palm Beach and Naples and their expertise with other forms of radiosurgery, the group introduced this exciting new technology to central Florida.
CyberKnife Centers of Tampa Bay is owned and operated by Tampa Bay Radiosurgery Associates, LLC. With two freestanding facilities located in Tampa and Brandon, the staff at the outpatient centers is dedicated to providing image-guided radiosurgical treatments while understanding and upholding a standard of comfort for patients undergoing treatment. For More information call 866-651-3797 or visit www.CyberKnifeTampaBay.com.
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