Hello Sf family, I hope this finds you well as can be.
I've been jumping through hoops with specialists to get approved for cancer surgery. On my way this morning for a cardiac stress test.
Just thought I'd do a check-in kind of Cafe today.
How are you feeling today?
How is your recovery going?
Any tips for coping when things get tough?
Hey Angie, thanks for posting a cafe for today, always happy to see a new one
I’m doing ok today I guess, woke a bit early but trying not to worry about that. I’m sorry to hear about you needing cancer surgery, but I hope you’ll get approved soon and be able to put it behind you soon too.
1. How I’m feeling today is pretty good I guess. Not great, but not down in the dumps like I was the other day either. Just kinda neutral overall. That surprises me a bit considering I’m not looking all that forward to the 5 hour public transit journey on Friday (5 different transfers, all pretty long and all pretty stressful).
2. Not really in “recovery” so to speak (unless recovering from severe childhood trauma counts, and that feels like a bit of a “lifelong challenge” really) but in terms of coping with stressful stuff lately, I would say I could easily be doing much, much worse. The news I got about 3 weeks ago now has definitely felt like the end of the world for me in some ways, it is definitely going to permanently change a lot of things. I’ve been doing lots more walking and trying to eat better too, one thing I know is my immune system absolutely needs to get much stronger.
3. Tips for coping when things get tough - yes, there are various things I do that usually help at least a bit:
- Taking extra care to be gentle with myself - taking a long, relaxing bath, reading positive/uplifting/inspiring quotes by those who’ve “been there” and survived, watching funny/light shows, movies or yt videos, treating myself to a small treat of some kind, stuff like that.
- Walking more, it seems to keep my mind a bit stronger, sharper, more focused and where whatever possible “down” moods I have don’t tend to last as long or be quite as intense.
- This one is not necessarily a “healthy” coping mechanism, so I do my best not to abuse it. However, in extreme moderation I think it is probably ok - eating food I really, really like. It probably does tie in with the self-love, pampering stuff I mentioned in the first point. It’s a fine line between it “helping” and “ultimately making things worse” for sure lol.
- Talking about it in some way - with an actual person in person, online or at least writing or typing it all out in a diary. Just “getting it out” in some way at least can be quite helpful most of the time.
I hope those tips in the 3rd question might prove useful to those who are struggling. Wishing the best for everyone here, today and always
You are all such strong survivors and I admire your courage and bravery very much.
Some tags:
@Witty_Sarcasm @Lane @Baywasp @KM76710 @SillyOldBear @FFurry @Inastorm @cymbele
