THE POWER OF A NAP

I've met cancer patients who have felt like they were weak if they gave in to the effects of chemotherapy and took a nap. They would have their treatments and spend the next several days fighting the effects of the drugs coursing through their veins. My mother probably fought harder than anyone on this subject. The fatigue made her feel weak and submissive, not only to the cancer, but also to the side effects of cancer treatment. It was frustrating for her, until she learned some very important secrets about chemotherapy from some experienced cancer patients.

Many had multiple courses of cancer treatment and managed the disease several over years. These were my mentors in navigating the mysteries of cancer. These were the experienced veterans, battle-scarred, but knowledgeable about the secrets of surviving.

Almost every one of these patients swore by the power of a nap. In fact, many said that if they tried to fight the fatigue that often accompanies chemotherapy treatments, they wound up being even more exhausted. By accepting the reality of the effects of chemotherapy on the body, they were able to pull themselves back together sooner and get on with their lives.

Think about it. When you fight the fatigue, you are actually creating stress for your body. When you realize that it is not weakness on your part that causes the fatigue, but the medicine's effects, you realize that you can actually conserve your energy by going with the flow. If you try to swim upstream, you'll spend a lot of time fighting the currents. What will you have left when you're done swimming?

One of the wisest veterans of cancer I met was a woman who had been Stage 4 for years. Her cancer had spread throughout her body, but every time it showed up, she would get treatment and go on with her life. And whenever she had chemotherapy, she would come home, put herself to bed when the fatigue hit, and her husband would take care of her until she was back on her feet. She understood that fighting fatigue wasn't fighting the cancer. Living well was her goal, and she realized the importance of taking good care of herself.

Don't be afraid to admit you need a nap now and then. Listen to your body and understand that when you take care of it, you have a better chance of managing your cancer and living longer. If you don't believe me, ask some cancer veterans the next time you're in for treatment. Not only can they give you some great advice, they will inspire you with their war stories and courage.