Surviving Cervical Cancer: Tips from Our Community

We develop tools to navigate through life’s rough waters but when you’re on the receiving end of a cervical cancer diagnosis, it’s like your toolbox is suddenly empty.

Something that almost everyone in our Cervivor community has said is that no one ever wants to be in a ‘cancer club’ but when you do find your community, things feel less scary. Now you can share coping and wellness tools, help others and find support from those who ‘get it’.

To provide that support, our community is sharing their tips for coping through a cancer diagnosis.

Keep a box of cards/letters/hospital bracelets/etc. This can be a vital way of processing through your emotions every now and again. You can reflect on the support you received and everything you survived. ~ Morgan N.

During treatment, sleep when you’re tired and eat when you’re hungry. Keeping your body well rested and nourished is a priority. ~Emily H.

I had to learn to say, “NO!” and to take time for myself to rest. Morning and evening meditation really helped me and art is my escape from it all. ~ Tasha B.

Yoga and meditation and eating clean! Meditation helped me focus on one thing. Eating clean gives me advantage on fighting back with nutrient vitamins to restore and help my body and digestive system. ~ Re’gina P.

I schedule time to rest. Be it meditation, reading, sitting in the sun, even aimlessly scrolling – just to be still for 30 mins or 1 hour during the day. I say I’m busy. Busy resting. ~ Samantha R.

Not only are our bodies going through so much with side effects, treatments and surgeries but cancer takes a toll on our spirit and mental health. Taking time to rest and reset, however that looks to you, is so important. Maybe this means reaching out and asking for help. Maybe it’s calling that friend who always knows how to make you laugh, or maybe it’s lying in bed and just crying. Creating space for ourselves is healing. Self-care comes in many forms and none of it is selfish.

Getting outside, even if it was just to walk to the mail box or sitting in my backyard. A little vitamin D always makes me feel better. ~ Carol L.

For me, it’s always been; yoga, meditation, walking/hiking, a religious sleep schedule, cooking/baking, time with friends, music, and quiet time reading. ~ Tracy C.

Listen to your body and resting whenever needed. This was very hard for me because I was so used to go, go, go but it’s so important to let your body rest and repair. ~ Gracie C.

There was overwhelming gratitude from survivors for their medical providers. From amazing Gynocological Oncology teams, Infusion and Radiation teams, to PA’s, RN’s and everyone who works hard to keep us alive to live. When you have a good oncology team, it’s a game changer.

Eating healthy food and sessions with my Oncology Physical Therapist to help with hip pain, regular varied movement, and journaling. ~ Christina B.

Finding my ‘safe spot’ to mentally escape for a bit. Learning to let others take care of me. Coloring and enjoying nature. I’m very tactical and the ears on my dog help soothe me.  ~ Karen N.

I learned to create boundaries from negative things/people. Using no, for my own wellbeing is essential. ~ Lorie W.

Another common thread we heard from you was the support you received from family and friends. Being surrounded and supported by people who put care into action means so much. Whether this comes in the form of prayer circles, meals being delivered or being that person holding our hand, all are great acts of loving kindness. And who doesn’t need more of that?

As cervical cancer patients, survivors and thrivers we have a special community. One that feels tight-knit because we know that through our voices we have the power to ignite a conversation and to help others. We know that our stories can have an impact on someone else’s life. That, through those stories, ending cervical cancer can be reached.

What are some tips you used to get through your diagnosis or life-changing event? How does wellness play a part in survival today?

Creating New Habits Instead of Resolutions

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? I used to, but then I just got tired of just not sticking to it and giving it up all together after the first month.

We have to acknowledge that there are people out there that keep their resolutions throughout the year and are successful. However, statistics show that even though millions of Americans make resolutions, less than 8% actually stick to them.

Therefore, we are going to stick to small changes. Changes that are actually achievable while we are working on our consistency muscle. The more you are consistent and succeed, the greater confidence in your ability to do it again. It actually helps you grow the belief that you can do it.  

I am inviting you to join our first challenge of the 2021 on Survivor Slimdown. Survivor Slimdown is a Facebook group open to ALL CANCER SURVIVORS. It is a space for inspiration, motivation and accountability as we learn to navigate our way to health.  Also, join me for a virtual workout on Wednesday, January 6th. Register for free here: https://bit.ly/37GpDjr 

The January challenge consists of creating new habits. Over time, patterns form both in behavior and in the brain. This can make it difficult to break a habit or even to form new ones. Therefore, we will start easy and we will succeed. 

As a group, we will work on two habits for the month, but if you want to add a third one on your own please do – just remember to make it small, sustainable, specific and achievable. We will stick to these actions for the 31 days in January.  We will use the habit tracker and cross each day for accountability. Our mantra for the month is “NEVER MISS TWICE.”

Habit 1

Drink an 8oz. glass of water after waking up and before having any food and/or coffee.

Drinking water in the morning will help you kick-start your metabolism.  Staying hydrated helps your body start to burn calories faster, which is vital when you are trying to shed body fat. Even if you are not looking to lose any body fat, hydrating the body brings many health benefits. 

Habit 2

Move your body for 10 minutes a day.  If you get to do more than 10 minutes great, but the minimum is 10 minutes. (Walk, dance, ride your bike, stretch, etc.)  Stay true to yourself.  

Moving is the best medicine for the body and the mind. It strengthens your muscles, which improves stability, balance and coordination. Stretching maintains muscle health as well. Movements help build more durable and denser bones.

Habit 3

The third habit is your choice. It cannot be something that you already do in your daily routine. Some examples of the third habit can be:

  • Wake up an hour earlier than usual
  • Meditate for 5-10 minutes in the morning
  • Add a veggie to each meal you eat
  • Make your bed after you get up – if you are not doing this already
  • Go to bed at a specific time at night
  • Chew your food 22 times before swallowing
  • Journal on a daily basis for 31 days
  • Read 10 pages every day of the book you have been wanting to read
  • Write three things you are grateful for every day
  • Say a daily affirmation
  • Learn a new word every day

The above are examples of small habits but you can choose any habit that aligns to your master goal.

Remember, if you want to drink more than 8oz of water in the morning before food or coffee you can. If you want to move more than 10 minutes a day you can. The concept is for your habit to be achievable and not get too overwhelmed. When we feel overwhelmed, we tend to quit. Quitting is not an option.  

Let us start this year with a successful month by sticking to these small and achievable habits. We got this!

Patti is a Cervivor Ambassador and Cervivor’s Wellness Instructor who manages our Survivor Slimdown Facebook group. She is a retired NYPD police officer and an 11 year cervical cancer survivor. She resides in NYC with her husband of 21 years where she’s a Group Fitness Instructor and a Health Advocate.