Thoughts have the power to affect our attitude and emotions. And, when dealing with something difficult, like a cancer diagnosis, repeating certain phrases or words (either out loud or to yourself) can help you shape your thoughts and cope with situations outside of your control. Check out these suggestions from our social media followers. Remember that while these mantras may work for some people, everyone has different beliefs and viewpoints, so share what works for you!
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Sign up!- “For my daughter, and sometimes myself, ‘Just keep swimming.’” –Jen
- “One day at a time. Every single step...” –Mike
- “Shakespeare. ‘Though she but little, she is fierce.’” –Susan
- “Before each of my 12 chemo treatments, I would say to myself... ‘I CAN do this and I WILL do this!!’ And now two years later I'm doing well.” –Barbara
- “Mine was: ‘One day at a time.’ When I was just getting ready to start treatment, I had so many different appointments in a one-month period, all I could do was take one day at a time. At the end of one day, I'd look at my calendar to see what the next day's appointment was. Luckily, I got through it – one day at a time. Good luck to everyone who has to face this challenge." –Jodi
- “You were given this mountain to show others it can be moved.” –Teri
- “’Tough times don't last, tough people do.’ My third go 'round and this still keeps me going.” –Karen
- “I just go day-by-day. I guess I don't really tell myself anything specific. I just accept this time for what it is. If I’m tired, I rest. If I’m anxious, I try to settle myself by reading or meditating. I guess if I tell myself anything it would be, ‘It is what it is for now. Keep a good mental attitude and listen to your body.’” –Ryan
- “What will be, will be... Nothing is impossible with God. –Pat
- “Two quotes, sent to me by friends, helped get me through my treatment: ‘Run when you can. Walk if you have to. Crawl if you must. But never give up.’ (Dean K.) And: ‘You > Cancer.’ (Laura G.)” –JR
- “Never give up, never surrender.” –Keith
Thank you to all those who shared. Check out more responses on Facebook!
Editor’s Note: Cancer patient outcomes and experiences may vary, even for those with the same type of cancer. An individual patient’s story should not be used as a prediction of how another patient will respond to treatment. Roswell Park is transparent about the survival rates of our patients as compared to national standards, and provides this information, when available, within the cancer type sections of this website.
