What do you do to forget OVC for a while?

[onthemendmomma]

I tended toward having periodic bouts of compulisve worrying prior to this diagnosis but since October when I was diagnosed it is really a challange to get "out of my head" and not feel looming fear of the grim reaper even when I am trying to be positive. My professional background is mental health so I'm aware of what I "should" be doing but that doesn't always mean I have the strength to do it.

One of the greatest challenges has been that my number one coping mechanisms PC (pre-cancer) was doing physical exercise but  with all the weakness, dizziness etc...sometimes that just make me cry more.

Then 4 or 5 weeks ago I was looking at the newspaper right after a chemo and a local theater was offering an acting class. It was something I was interested in as a kid and I really wanted to do it. I signed up and it's been amazing. It completely gets me out of my "head" and since it is with all people who are new to me I don't get the constant "Oh you poor thing" look that I feel like I get whenever I step out of my house in my community. I went last night and it gives me such a buzz that it lasts for a few days.

Anyone else find things like this that work for them?  What is it?

Here's to a worry free day to everyone!!!

[Ramsay14]

I like to sew quilts as a distraction.  I pick out the most complicated patterns I can find.  If the pattern is too simple it's not distracting enough.  Sitting there at the sewing machine with the TV on, I can go a good few hours without crying.  I recently started a quilt called "Dear Jane" and it has a kabillion 4 inch square blocks that are all different.  This particular quilt project has really helped me develop my un-sewing skills.

[crecco]

  Teresa, I have to agree with you as to helping others. I think that is why finding this forum, along with a few others has helped me so much. It is like a therapy for me. When I can do something to help others, I tend to forget my own problems, no matter what they might be. But also like you, I cannot commit to volunteer work as I never know how I am going to feel. So coming here and being able to help others helps fill that void.
            Chris

[Teresa222]

I read often lately.  I try to read happy, comical material if I can. I gravitate toward the more serious, dramatic stuff though. When I read a depressing book, I tend to think more about the cancer battle.  Reading about areas of the world you love, can take you away for a while too.

I like so many of you are hesitant to commit to volunteer work.  I am so up and down physically on a daily basis.  My sleep requirement is still very high. I sleep 12-14 hours a night.

I hope to go on a trip soon to visit my family.  Some of them are worse off than me. If I can help them in any way, that will help me forget myself.
Teresa

[bohan54]

Still searching for a tonic.  Like Judy, I hesitate to commit to charity work in case I have to bail at the last minute due to chemo effects.  Now I must gather up all my strength to see my sister through - it won't make me forget mine but at least it won't be my only focus.

[SimplyStar]

I use distractions to help ease my pain  about losing Leslee.  I have gotten involved in politics, {groans}  from many of you,  time I compose letters to the senators and reps,  it really takes my mind to a different place. My first real name is Martha, so I just say that I am Martha Washington,  and I am fighting for freedom.  got very involved in the local tea partys,   marty

[butterflytc]

Great topic! I run my own charity, so I make my own hours. It keeps my mind occupied, and when I am unable to sleep, or in pain, I get up and work. We also swim 3 to 4 nights a week, and try to walk as much as possible.

Judy, I am just like your friend, I find all of nature amazing. For some reason I always did, but find even more comfort in it now. I used to hate a rainy day, now I even see beauty in that! go figure.

butterflyTc

[JC145]

Some days the "beast" wins and some days I win.  I have found that most any time I am out of the house, I feel better.  The problem is, I am home too much of the time.  I just told my husband I HAVE to find something to do.  I've considered volunteering but am afraid to commit to a certain day(s) of the week considering I get so tired from the topotecan.  The exercise class sounds very interesting if I can find something low impact.  That way, if I don't feel great, I don't have to go.  

I agree with Chris re: an awareness of the beauty that surrounds us.  A good friend, 40 years ago, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  We used to talk a lot and I remember exactly what he said to me .. "Judy, you do not realize how blue that sky is".  I think of him often and how he said that on nights he couldn't sleep, he would just sit outside and watch the night sky.  I "get it" now.

Judy

[junamgen]

I final found my group Taiji and Qigong.  We meet 3 day a week, about 2hrs exercise , then lunch together.  It was so helpful for my recovering since it does not need so much energy. I call it moving meditation exercise.  Please go back do your Taiji if you can. If you let me know the name of your Taiji, I think I can find the vidoe on the net for you. It is going to be easy for you to start again.

Peace and love
jun

[crecco]

I have found that anything that will keep me busy, either physically or mentally will help. It did take awhile after my initial diagnosis though to be able to find anything at all to take my mind off of "my impending doom". But time is a factor. I have found that the more time goes by, that I have days I actually forget for awhile that I have cancer. Of course something will always bring it back to mind but I do so enjoy those times that I forget.
  I think that trying to lead as normal a life as possible is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. Even if you cannot do the things that you used to love doing, just getting out a being a part of the world makes a big difference. You tend to have a different outlook on things that make you appreciate the small stuff that much more. Flowers blooming in the spring, a beautiful sunny day, spending time with family and friends, a rainbow after a storm, all of these things take on new meanings for us and help to put the cancer in the back of our minds, even for just a little while.
   Chris

[shewrites]

When we were younger, my husband and I square danced every other Friday night.  He had a pretty stressful job at the time, and I noticed that the square dancing -- which required concentration to follow the calls, some of which are fairly complex -- was a very good thing for him.  He had to "forget" his week for a few hours, and he was usually more relaxed the rest of the weekend.  I don't think it was the square dancing, although it was good weight-bearing exercise come to think of it;  I think it was the concentration that was the key.  

I did tai chi for awhile, and that was good for balance, keeping limber, weight-bearing exercise, and concentration (since the instructor taught us a 40-movement form that took about 20 minutes to execute).  I practiced almost daily, but I've lost the form since I've quit going to classes.  

Anything you care about -- that you can get "lost in" -- is probably a good thing.  Worrying about others -- being needed by others -- is also a good thing.  Hope others post with their experiences, because I need a new idea or two.