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Our supporters are our biggest allies. Over on our Instagram @cancerwellmag, we asked questions about how to show support to yourself and your loved ones through a cancer diagnosis. Read on for some thoughts from our followers.

@aspeylynn

I received my diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic lymphoma the day I retired. My CEO called and asked me to come back to work, which I did. Mentally and emotionally, it was the best solution for me. It kept my mind off of me.

– Lynn Aspey, chronic lymphocytic lymphoma 

@angelloubjr33

I try to keep my mind occupied by doing crosswords, but it is hard to return to the old you after cancer, as you’re never the same person.

– Louise Warner, breast cancer

@dlashes

I stay creative, which keeps me inspired for the future. Hardship is hard; however, I just work on keeping my mind stress-free. Knowing deep inside it’ll all work out! My life is way too important [to worry] about those things.
 
-Dionne Phillips, breast cancer

@christine.wilson.artist

By being creative in some way like art journaling! Write down my feelings and then I’m free to paint over. It could be angry scribbles, a beautiful flower doodle or collage paper. It helps just acknowledging the feelings and get it out on paper in a safe way. No need to share that journal with anyone either. Easy self-care.
 
-Christine Wilson, breast cancer

@ohiocoope

How do you help your son with his cancer when he is helping you with yours? We FaceTime every day (we live in different countries), sadly we compare treatment notes and make each other laugh.

-Kimberly Cooper, lung cancer

@remember_konjo

I am a breast cancer thriver in Japan. I made 15 minutes [of] drawing my morning routine and kept posting on the Instagram @akipon809. I found drawing is a powerful self-healing tool. Last year I published e-books, and now I am working to make them paperbacks, as well as creating a new one. Great gift from cancer experience.

-Kiyoe Aki, breast cancer

@pinkribbonmountains

It actually helps me mentally by supporting someone. It actually makes me feel less alone by knowing they aren’t alone.

– Noshin Saloojee, breast cancer

@tamronlittle

Making sure that during the process you’re giving yourself grace and setting healthy boundaries.
 
-Tamron Little, mesothelioma

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