Cancer To-Do List
THRIVE
Thrive in your health
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed with a cancer diagnosis, whether it is your own journey or someone close to you. It is natural to experience a range of emotions including fear, panic, trauma, anger, and sadness. Ask someone to help you process these feelings and even help you transition through the stages of grief. While you may feel overwhelmed at times, BELIEVE that you will survive and thrive. The ultimate goal is to adopt a positive mindset no matter what treatment path you choose. Mindset makes all the difference. Hope is the key to survival! My hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ.
After my diagnosis, I took steps to strengthen my belief and build a positive mindset. I also started mastering the BASICS, as outlined on this page. I believe my commitment to the basics has created an unfriendly environment for cancer growth in my body. As a result, I started thriving, and my mindset became one of empowerment as my physical health was improving. This allowed me to gain a sense of control over my situation. It is amazing to not feel like a powerless victim to my diagnosis. I am thriving in more ways than just healing from cancer. I have done this, and you can too!
Basics
A cancer diagnosis is an opportunity to do self-reflection and commit to establishing a consistent, self-care routine.
Take the time to form a strong, daily routine of basic health habits, and watch your heath improve. According to the University College of London in 2009, “habits take 66 days to form. Once a habit is solidly established, you can either build on that habit or build another one.” A randomized, controlled trial published in Urology showed that patients with early-stage prostate cancer choosing active surveillance might be able to avoid or delay conventional treatment for at least two years by making changes in their diet and lifestyle. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18602144/
DAILY ROUTINE OF Basic Health Habits
THE BASICS
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DIET
A diet rich in whole foods protects against cancer. Even though every part of your health routine is important, diet can make the most profound difference in a short period of time!
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Hydration
Our bodies are made up of mostly water. It makes sense that we must replenish that water each day to keep our system functioning properly. Drink at least 64 ounces of filtered water each day.
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EXERCISE
Research shows that exercise reduces the risk of both recurrence and death from cancer. Exercise also reduces cancer-related fatigue for patients undergoing treatment. Add regular exercise each day.
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De-stress
There is a large body of evidence showing that stressful life events and major negative life changes can increase the risk of cancer. I believe stress was a contributor to my cancer because I allowed it to drown out self-care.
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SLEEP
Sleep disorders are more common in people with cancer. According to University of Chicago sleep researcher, Eve Van Cauder, all systems of the body are affected by even minimal sleep deprivation.
Benefits
A commitment to the basic health routine, as discussed above, will produce the benefits of daily detox and improved gut health. Creating consistent, daily habits may take some time, but it will be worth every second! Both the internal and external, tangible and intangible effects that I am experiencing on a daily basis in my health keep me committed to my daily health routine.
benefits FROM YOUR HEALTH ROUTINE
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DETOXIFICATION
We are bombarded by environmental toxins in our world today. Some are natural and some are man-made, but the good news is that our healthy bodies are equipped to address these effectively!
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GUT HEALTH
As you detox and formulate a good routine of the basic health habits (diet, hydration, exercise, de-stress, and sleep) many markers of optimal health will improve — one of which is your gut health.
Up Next...
treatment
This section will equip you in how to proceed with your treatment plan from start to finish. Review this page before making any decisions.