I spend many hours talking to cancer survivors, many of which are currently undergoing treatment and they share with me a very common theme.  There are  times when they are sad, frustrated, scared, angry, and have many other emotions that friends and family members consider “negative”.  We all need to and will have these feelings throughout our journey with cancer.  It’s so important for those who support us to allow us to express those feelings.

I believe most people want their loved one (cancer patient) to be upbeat and cheery so that they can fight a good fight with a positive attitude.  We can have a positive attitude but there are times when we hit a wall or come to a part of our treatment that becomes overwhelming and we need to release those feelings so we can move on in a positive way.  I remember the first time I went through chemotherapy 7 years ago.  I came to my 4th of 6 treatments and the nurses struggled (as they did every time) to access a vein. They sent over another nurse who sat down with me and gently announced that I needed to have a port inserted in my chest in order to complete the remaining treatments.  Mentally I was at my breaking point and all I did was cry.  My mother was with me and she cried as well which allowed me to have those feelings, express them, and eventually within a small amount of time, put them behind me and continue to move forward in my positive way.

And by the way, it’s ok to cry!