An Attitude of Gratitude: ‘Appreciating These Beach Days More than Ever,’ Says Actress Selma Blair Amid MS Battle

Blair is currently battling Multiple sclerosis (MS), yet remains focused on the good things in life. She writes on Instagram this week:  “Spring break 2021 has me appreciating these beach days more than ever.”

 

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A post shared by Selma Blair (@selmablair)

Selma’s MS Battle

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the immune system, and it causes the immune system to eat away at the protective covering of the body’s nerves. Symptoms of the disease can include vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired coordination.

Blair was diagnosed with MS in 2018, and despite this life-changing diagnosis, the actress manages to remain upbeat through her MS journey. Blair took to Instagram to share the news of her diagnosis with fans and followers. In doing so, she has also shined a light on this disease and created a greater awareness of it.

Related: Actress Selma Blair Shares Inspiring Quote and Photo of Anne Frank on Her Instagram, Reminding Us To Be Resilient

In a 2018 post discussing her illness, she wrote candidly: "I have multiple sclerosis. I am in an exacerbation…I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it. And I laugh and I don't know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best. Since my diagnosis at ten thirty pm on The night of August 16, I have had love and support from my friends…"

Blair has used chemotherapy to treat her MS. Chemo often has some unpleasant side effects. The American Cancer Society (ACS) cites the following as possible chemo side effects:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Infection
• Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Appetite changes
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Mouth, tongue, and throat problems such as sores and pain with swallowing
• Peripheral neuropathy or other nerve problems, such as numbness, tingling, and pain
• Skin and nail changes such as dry skin and color change
• Urine and bladder changes and kidney problems
• Weight changes
• Chemo brain, which can affect concentration and focus
• Mood changes
• Changes in libido and sexual function
• Fertility problems of chemotherapy

Not Your Parents' Chemotherapy: New Solutions for Nausea, Hair Loss, and Other Chemo Side Effects

Coping with a Difficult Diagnosis

For people diagnosed with a life-changing illness like MS or cancer, it can feel like your world is turned upside down. Some people who are diagnosed with cancer may experience depression, grief, anxiety, and fear. These are all perfectly understandable emotions.

Related: Stay Positive, It Matters

Taking care of your emotional health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Being positive increases the strength of the immune system and can also make cancer treatments more effective, our experts tell SurvivorNet. So, if you’re struggling after a diagnosis, reach out for help speak with a therapist, oncological social worker, or a support group, to assist you in getting to a healthier emotional place.

Treating Depression After a Cancer Diagnosis

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