Empowering cancer patients to shift their mindsets could improve care, researchers argue by Cell Press

[socrates_8]

Post by MPN-MATE Admin » Tue Sep 24, 2019 12:07 pm

Sept. 23, 2019

mpn-mate.com/forum/viewtopi...

"We spend millions of dollars every year trying to cure and prevent cancer," says co-author Alia Crum, a psychologist at Stanford University. "But cancer is more than a physical disease. As we strive to target malignant cells with the latest cutting-edge treatments, we should simultaneously strive to provide equally precise treatments for the psychological and social ramifications of the illness."

This is exactly what we all need to hear more about in my view...

Love to hear you thoughts guys...

Best wishes

Steve

[Wyebird]

A very valid point

[carlyjo]

Without a doubt the mind has a central role in everything . Practices like mindfulness and meditation have been utterly indispensable I have found since diagnosis with ET following stroke . And also when I previously had early breast cancer, nine years ago . I have found that physical symptoms can be very hard to deal with .But what goes on with the mind is extremely difficult .Our natural tendency is to go into fight/flight with the onset of symptoms which can then lead into a mind/body loop of additional symptoms like increased BP etc . I have found these can really be eased with various practices ( and I think various other alternative treatments and methods can help too with self soothing ) My husband took note of my BP pressure one night . He himself doesn't do anything like that .But it had shot up to 171/95 following feeling quite ill and then going into panic. Doing a soothing mindfulness practice it went down over 20 mins to 140/ 92 then down to 122/92 . Only one example I know 😊 But no doubt helping the mind in whichever way you do it is essential .

[socrates_8 in reply to carlyjo]

Hey Carlyjo...

Thanks for that wonderful reply and example you provided, and as you say... there really seems to be very little doubt about the benefits overall...

In all of my own efforts to succeed, in all I am striving to do... I just keep telling myself to listen closely to my body, and act accordingly...

My example: These past couple of days, I have been suffering quite a bit from the cold. I have been experiencing these symptoms for quite a while in my life, but prior to diagnosis I wasn't aware of why or what might be causing any number of symptoms, (& during our winters I suffer from what I can only describe as a form of chronic hypothermia – I often wonder if any one else is afflicted with this complaint?).

Anyways, I simply stick to my dietary & exercise regimes as best I may, and just keep repeating to myself: "I AM THE RIDE!"

And this is my 'Fight - Flight' response...

When I am out on my longer rides, (solo), I just keep repeating my mantra:

"I AM THE RIDE!" - "I AM THE RIDE!" – "I AM THE RIDE!"

I find that doing so helps me maintain my drive and tenacity...

The healthy I can manage to remain, the greater the longevity I shall enjoy, in my view...

Best wishes

Steve

[champ30]

I firmly believe that our mind has a big role to play in our wellbeing.

Since September 2018 I have been attending Qigong classes.

Whether it's the meds I'm on or the Qigong, probably both, but my bloods have remained stable, except sometimes neutrophils have dropped below 1,meaning I have to wait until they're over to restart meds(lenalidomide).

Although I know deep down I'm not a well person (MF, MDS and bronchiectasis, having had bad flare up and cough blood etc recently,I have to remain an optimist.

I don't share often and am always reluctant to as it might not make sense to a lot of people.

Best wishes Lynn.

[socrates_8 in reply to champ30]

Hey Lyn...

Great to hear from you...

I believe you are right, and keeping ourselves focused on the positive as often as we can provides a better perspective, and more unique opportunities to turn to our own advantage, in my view...

Stay happy & well...

Best wishes

Steve

[carlyjo in reply to champ30]

I've started doing Tai chi / Qigong too. I love it. Def good for the body/mind. I'm sure it will help. I hope you keep well Lynn. All best ✨✨✨

[champ30 in reply to carlyjo]

Thanks Carlyo.Good to hear you are also practising Tai chi/Quigong.

Lynn.

[champ30]

Thanks Socrates for your reply.

Lynn.