Explore finding meaning in the midst of cancer challenges during the holidays. Hear insights on spirituality, gratitude, and the significance of traditions. Discover how patients embrace hope in small moments and lessons on end-of-life care.
Acknowledging conflicting emotions is vital for cancer patients to find personal meaning during holidays.
Chaplains offer spiritual support that focuses on identity, hope, and meaning for cancer patients and families.
Deep dives
Navigating Conflicting Emotions During the Holidays
The holiday season can evoke conflicting feelings for cancer patients, blending gratitude for treatment with sorrow over profound losses. It is acknowledged that experiencing both emotions simultaneously is valid and common. Dr. Diane Riede Lagunais shares insights about the complexity of emotions faced by cancer patients. She discusses the importance of recognizing and embracing these conflicting emotions to find personal meaning during the holiday period.
Role of Chaplains in Supporting Cancer Patients
Chaplains like Brian Kelly play a crucial role in supporting cancer patients by addressing their spiritual and existential needs. Working alongside medical professionals, chaplains offer comfort, presence, and support to patients and their families. By acknowledging the significance of spirituality in coping with cancer, chaplains provide a unique form of care that focuses on identity, hope, and meaning beyond religious affiliations.
Gratitude as a Source of Strength for Cancer Patients
Gratitude is highlighted as a powerful tool for cancer patients, offering a sense of hope and healing during challenging times. Dr. Mark Lewis and chaplain Brian Kelly emphasize the transformative impact of gratitude in fostering resilience and compassion. Patients, physicians, and caregivers often express gratitude as a driving force in their cancer journey, providing strength and perspective amidst uncertainty and difficult emotions.
We’re listening back to one of our favorite episodes from December 2022. While the holidays are meant to be a season of celebration, reflection and spending time with family and friends, it can also be a time of anxiety, grief or loneliness for those living with the reality of cancer. How does one find peace and meaning in the swarm of emotions that cancer brings up? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK chaplain Brian Kelly share their thoughts on what makes life meaningful and how to find your light in the darkest of times.
This episode features a reflection from Anthony, an MSK patient. Sadly, earlier this year, Anthony passed away. We thank him for sharing his beautiful words and send our love to his family.