Healing during and after cancer treatment takes time, sometimes more time than we hoped or expected. Sometimes we are healing from the loss of the life before cancer. Sometimes we are healing from the loss of our loved one to the disease. The National Cancer Institute identifies these common challenges include:
People expect you to do what you did before your cancer.
You may expect more from your family than you receive.
You may still need to depend on others during this time.
NCI suggests the following strategies:
Let others know what you’re able to do as you heal – and what not to expect.
Know that this is a new time in your life so it may take time to adjust.
Talk with your children and teens. Be honest and open. Spend time together.
Here are Well Beings Studio resources to help you through this time.
Little Green Monster Project
The Little Green Monster Project knows life is hard during cancer. We are here to help!
Our Little Monster Friend Duffle includes a book, little monster friend (handmade by volunteers), emotion stickers and a monster profile activity.
Donated to cancer-impacted families.
REQUEST or DONATE a Little Monster Friend Duffle: Contribute a care duffle to a family impacted by cancer. Request one for your family. Contact us!
EXPLORE the Full Family LGM Experience. Visit our site!
DOWNLOAD Resources: Talking to Children about Cancer, Family Activities for Joy and Healing
VOLUNTEER to sew monsters for families, like Drew is doing below to process his mother’s breast cancer experience. Helping heals!
Drew learned to sew, so he could construct Little Monsters for other kids going through the cancer journey with their families, like he is.
I am Enough Journal
Our journal helps children enter a creative, healing flow with self-reflection prompts.
DOWNLOAD the I am Enough Journal here.
Wet Wings: Poetry through Breast Cancer
Wet Wings: Poetry through Breast Cancer explores themes of cancer treatment, identity, body image, death and dying, parenting, emotions, and imagination. Reading through your cancer journey might help you heal!
LISTEN to the author, Sharon, read poems from Wet Wings, talk about her cancer journey, and lead you through some mindful breathing.
REQUEST or DONATE a Book: Contribute a book to a cancer survivor . Request a book for someone you love. Contact us!
Our Blogs!
EXPLORE our blogs! Click on captions below for some examples.
National Cancer Institute has many resource, including this guide to living with bereavement, grief and loss. You can also call NAMI-OC’s Warm Line for 24-hour emotional support: 877-910-9276