Like so many of us who are recovering for chemotherapy, actor Selma Blair turned to old photographs and memories of young love to bring her some joy as she recovers from her treatment. Blair doesn’t have cancer — she actually has multiple sclerosis — but because she’s going through chemotherapy, which people usually have as treatment for cancer, we wanted to cover her journey with the treatment, to learn more about what she is using to cope along the way.
RELATED: Why Is Actress Selma Blair Getting Chemotherapy For Multiple Sclerosis?
Read MoreDr. Dana Chase, gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology talks about finding what still brings you joy amidst the hardest times
How do you take care of your emotional health? Well, Chase says it's as simple as doing the things you love. "You should try to do more of those activities." She recommends that patients take some time out of each day to do something that brings them joy. Chase even tells her patients to write down the ten things they like doing and carve out parts of their day so that 50 percent of their time is spent doing things they genuinely enjoy. "Sometimes I will talk to a patient about making [a] list of the top ten things that bring them joy. And trying to do those ten things…to make at least 50 percent of their experiences positive throughout the day."
Dr. Chase also commented that one very important aspect of emotional health and quality of life is adequate and fulfilling social support. A loving community can be an emotional buttress for you during tough times, and can be there for you throughout the course of your treatment. No matter what your situation, there is a social support network out there for you, says Chase. "Certainly women have to know that there's a social network out there for them if they don't have it easily accessible," she says.
Selma Blair reflects on old photos during chemo
“I have been going through old pictures. Forgotten until now, crammed in various boxes. Bent images. Dusty and scratched,” she wrote alongside a photo of her younger self jumping up on a beach. “I keep coming back to this one. My friend, sorting too, declared this was a good picture. I am in Vancouver. At the sea wall. Many years ago. While filming #aguything. Jason schwartzman took this photo of me embracing life. I was in love. #memories on a Saturday night 17 years later.” Jason Swartzman is an actor and producer who Blair dated just as both of their careers were taking off.
her supporters were grateful for the post and relayed their similar experiences looking back at photos and memories in hard times, “I love looking through old photos too. @selmablair you look vibrant, youthful, joyous. It's like you're giving the world a hug. And yes, the magic of being in love. Feeling like anything is possible. What a beautiful memory. Thank you for sharing this. [heart]”
“That’s a powerful pic [heart] you look so full of joy, strength, hope, gratitude and love. This hasn’t changed [heart] still the same [hearts].”
“@selmablair – You just made me feel a certain kind of way. Been thinking of ya, how you've been. Memories. You embraced life. Were in love. I wish for you that you are EMBRACING LIFE, and you are FULL OF LOVE. [heart] Lee.”
Selma Blair’s MS and chemotherapy journey
In an initial Instagram post, Blair revealed her chemotherapy treatment to the world, “Sunday. Rest. Gratitude. I write this with helping someone else in mind… Since chemotherapy and high doses of prednisone I have lost any ability to focus with my eyes.”
She said that her problems with vision extend to looking at her phone, and says she often starts to panic when she does, “(I find it difficult to be on phone so I am not on social media or communicating w friends through writing very much). Panic sets in. Will this be permanent? How do I get to one more doctor appointment? How will I work and write when I can't see and it's so painful?”
And that she always tries to tell herself it’s going to be alright, “And then a simmering of knowing. Underneath all the doubt. It will be ok. Take it smaller to each moment. Let the body heal. Nourish. Walk slowly. Burst into laughter. Give my nervous system a chance.”
She said that she’s thinking a lot about fear and uncertainty, and trying to look on the bright side,”I see how wonderful and kind people can be. I see how frightening it can be. Uncertainty. I am choosing to say this too shall pass. And my word… it's so beautiful today. Still cool in the shade and the whole day before us… we can do it. Breathe.”
And she also left a post script to update her supporters on her latest victories, “ps. My left leg is feeling the ground!!! #hsct Also… I have found much relief in settling my system with @montelbyselect #relax#hempextractcapsules . Thank you @montel_williams.”
Blair’s fans came her support, and wrote how grateful they are for her wisdom, “You give me inspiration I haven’t left the house in four days. I dont have a support system like you and I’m scared.”
“With each post I'm in awe of your honesty and bravery. I find myself wondering how you're doing and hoping that each day you feel a little stronger and better. From one mom to another: I believe in you and your ability to heal.”
Chemotherapy and Vision
Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and steroid medicines may increase the risk of cataracts. Cataracts are a problem in which the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts can cause:
- Blurred, cloudy, or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Trouble seeing at night
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause dry eye syndrome. This is a problem in which your eyes do not produce enough tears. Symptoms include feeling as if your eyes are dry or have something in them.
If you are at risk for cataracts, you should have regular visits with an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who treats eye problems).
If cataracts become serious, they can be treated with surgery. In this type of surgery, an eye surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a plastic lens. You will usually have local anesthesia and be able to go home the same day.
If you develop dry eye syndrome, your doctor may prescribe regular treatment with eye drops or ointments.
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