In an effort to spread some love, actor and throat cancer survivor, Val Kilmer, shared a moving quote from Dr. Maya Angelou about the importance of positivity during dark times. For people battling cancer, support and a positive outlook can be hugely valuable, especially as many cancer patients say they are dealing with increased anxiety during the pandemic.
On Instagram, Kilmer, 60, shared a photo of himself. The lighting of both outside and the photo caused a rainbow to wash over his face, and in honor of the special moment, Kilmer shared a quote from the legendary poet Dr. Maya Angelou and wished everyone well. “Like the late, great, Dr Maya Angelou said – Try to be the rainbow in someone else’s cloud,” Kilmer wrote. “Sending love to all of you.”
Read MoreFinding The Rainbow: Staying Positive During Cancer Treatment
If you have just been diagnosed with cancer, negative feelings such as anger, shame, fear, and anxiety are often completely normal. Although it can be difficult, research shows that when patients have a positive attitude and are able to work through their emotions, they end up doing better during treatment.
Many cancer survivors who have spoken to SurvivorNet say they are able to remain despite receiving a cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer survivor Ashley Saaranen is one of those people. She has an absolutely contagious positive attitude, and she said she's able to stay so upbeat because of the amazing support system she has in her life.
After all was said and done, Ashley said her advice to other people going through cancer is to simply believe in yourself. "You can do this," Ashley said. "There are so many people around you that are here to help you and you just need to open yourself up and accept the help. Also, know that you're still going to be you, and life is gonna go on. Life is still really good."
Breast cancer survivor Ashley Saaranen shares advice to those battling cancer
Staying positive during cancer treatment is difficult in and of itself. However, when you’re faced with a diagnosis over the holiday season, it can be particularly challenging since people who are facing cancer may feel overwhelmed. Karen Ballou, a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, says focusing your mind on the positive things you have in your life can make a huge difference.
Karen decided to focus on the joy and the anticipation of getting better instead of the hardships she was facing. Of course, this is easier said than done. But there's no harm in trying to set goals, and find something that you're really looking forward to doing once cancer is behind you.
"My advice to others is to stay focused," Karen says. "Stay focused … think about one thing in your life or two things in your life that you can see when you're well, that you want to go after. And you want to follow through with. That's what got me through the holidays."
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