第四章 【去你的癌症! / 我那奇幻的抗癌旅程】系列

 《去你的癌症！我那奇幻的抗癌之旅 》

 

【Ch4 減緩化療副作用的居家調養和心理建設】（搭配《Ch3 整體照護》一起服用）

 

化療光看這兩個字就讓人心生畏懼，更別說被醫生宣告要接受治療的打擊。那一刻真是晴天霹靂，彷彿人生從此被打入一場想醒卻醒不過來的惡夢。

 

不過就像所有過來人的肺腑之言：心態決定一切。

 

所以我在這篇除了分享幫助我減緩副作用的調養方法，也聊聊如何幫自己加油打氣。

 

1. 定期針灸。在主治醫生同意下，我每週針灸，主要在調養腸胃和預防周邊神經病變。很幸運的是，化療期間我都吃得下，手腳發麻的情況也很輕微。

 

2. 多排汗加速排毒。方法很多種，有人泡腳，有人穿雨衣走跑步機，有人上健身房做桑拿，我是每天躺汗蒸毯50分鐘。多出汗可以幫助身體代謝，排出化療毒素。

 

3. 給自己加油打氣！化療對身心都是很大的挑戰，除了讓人聞之色變的副作用，如何調適心情也是門學問。回想起來，幫助我找到勇氣的心理建設主要有三個：

 

a) 把副作用理解成類似孕期經歷的種種不適，只是孕婦在孕育新生命，我們在孕育一個重生的自己。

 

b) 「無論你變成什麼樣子，我都會好好愛你。」治療期間除了身心疲憊，外貌也因藥物而產生變化，成為一個連自己都認不得的陌生模樣，所以很容易出現信心危機。我把這段歷程視為上帝的提問，問我會不會好好愛自己。從治療的第一天起，我便練習每天給鏡子裡的自己一個微笑，告訴她：「無論妳變成什麼樣子，我都會好好愛妳。」這個練習提醒我要做自己的最佳後盾，用心疼愛正在奮戰的身體。

 

c) 保持幽默感。即便打了強心針，做好心理建設，治療期間總有狼狽不堪的時候，這時如果可以幽自己一默，便能助心情從谷底反彈，重見光明。以我為例，化療時最費心力調適的難關之一莫過於落髮。我不是不能接受掉頭髮，只是看它慢慢掉，掉很久，掉得到處都是，真像看不見盡頭的凌遲。這種不痛快感一直到有天我想通了，決定把自己當成一隻正在換毛的大型寵物，從那刻起我的心情輕鬆很多，即便看到地上枕頭浴缸都是頭毛，也不覺得討厭，因為寵物換毛很正常咩，看我甩甩甩。

 

我很幸運，在化療期間除了驗血數值不穩定和掉了80%的毛髮之外，副作用多屬輕微，或過了初期便穩定下來，沒有造成太大困擾。化療結束時，腫瘤也完全消失了。

雖然化療的影響因人而異，我由衷希望透過這篇心得將好運分享給需要的你，祈願大家都平安順利的完成治療，擁抱新生。

Chapter 4: Home Care and Psychological Preparation to Mitigate Chemotherapy Side Effects (To be read in conjunction with Chapter 3: Overall Care)

Just hearing the word "chemotherapy" is enough to strike fear into anyone's heart, let alone the shock of being told by a doctor that you need treatment. At that moment, it felt like a bolt from the blue, as if my life had been plunged into a nightmare from which I couldn't wake up.

But as all survivors say, your attitude is everything.

So in this chapter, in addition to sharing the care methods that helped me alleviate side effects, I'll also talk about how to cheer myself up.

1. Regular Acupuncture: With my doctor's approval, I had acupuncture every week, mainly to regulate my gastrointestinal system and prevent peripheral neuropathy. Fortunately, I was able to eat throughout chemotherapy, and the numbness in my hands and feet was very mild.
2. Increase Sweating to Accelerate Detoxification: There are many ways to do this. Some people soak their feet, some walk on a treadmill wearing a raincoat, and some go to the gym for a sauna. I lay on a sweating blanket for 50 minutes every day. Sweating more helps the body metabolize and eliminate chemotherapy toxins.
3. Cheer Yourself Up! Chemotherapy is a huge challenge both physically and mentally. In addition to the dreaded side effects, learning to adjust your mood is also a skill. Looking back, there were three main psychological constructions that helped me find courage: a) Understanding Side Effects as Similar to Pregnancy Discomforts: Think of it as if you're pregnant, but instead of nurturing a new life, you're nurturing a reborn self. b) "No matter what you become, I love you always.": During treatment, in addition to physical and mental fatigue, your appearance also changes due to medication, making you a stranger even to yourself, so it's easy to have a crisis of confidence. I viewed this journey as a question from God, asking if I would love myself. From the first day of treatment, I practiced giving myself a smile in the mirror every day, telling myself, "No matter what you become, I love you always." This exercise reminded me to be my own best supporter and to cherish the body that was fighting hard. c) Maintain a sense of humor: Even with a strong heart and a positive mindset, there will always be awkward moments during treatment. If you can make light of yourself at this time, you can help your mood rebound from the bottom and see the light again. For example, one of the most challenging aspects of chemotherapy for me was hair loss. It wasn't that I couldn't accept losing my hair, but watching it fall out slowly, for a long time, and everywhere, it was like an endless torture. This uncomfortable feeling continued until one day I realized that I should treat myself like a large pet that was shedding. From that moment on, I felt much more relaxed. Even when I saw hair all over my pillow and bathtub, I didn't find it annoying because it's normal for pets to shed, right? Look at me, shaking it off!

I was lucky that during chemotherapy, apart from unstable blood test results and losing 80% of my hair, the side effects were mostly mild or stabilized after the initial period, and did not cause too much trouble. At the end of chemotherapy, the tumor had completely disappeared.

Although the effects of chemotherapy vary from person to person, I sincerely hope to share this good fortune with those who need it. I pray that everyone can complete their treatment safely and smoothly and embrace a new beginning.

#YouAreNotAlone

#去你的癌症！

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第三章 【去你的癌症! / 我那奇幻的抗癌旅程】系列

 《去你的癌症！我那奇幻的抗癌之旅 》

 

 我的治療包括化療、手術和放療，先分享適用於每一種療程的照護方法，之後再聊聊對個別療程有幫助的小收穫。

 

【Ch3. 適用於整個療程的照護心得】

 

1. 保持活動。對身體最好的動作就是下一個動作，能站就不坐，能坐就不躺。這個習慣可以保持活力，也轉移對身體不適的注意力。

 

2. 每天運動至少三十分鐘。抗癌是長期抗戰，有體力才能堅持下去。即便身體因治療而多累多不舒服，都要鼓勵自己每天動一動。我做的運動有甩手功、易筋經、瑜珈和散步等，也有人和醫生確認後繼續游泳和跑步。

 

3. 均衡飲食，大量喝水。此外，我每天打新鮮蔬果汁，增加營養素的攝取。因病人的免疫力下降，蔬菜會先燙過。把握多蔬菜少水果的原則，控制糖份的比重。我在治療期間每天喝至少兩公升的水，幫助身體排毒。

 

4. 定期接受心理諮商。知道罹癌的那刻起，便是開始與死神拔河。每一次的變數，無論影響多小，對病患來說都是被迫重新思考一次生死議題。我很慶幸自己受過人生教練（life coaching）的專業訓練，在療程期間把學過的理論和方法實踐在自己身上，加上定期接受諮商，從內到外幫助自己克服恐懼，保持樂觀，將每一次的治療視為邁向健康的祝福。

 

5. 定期接受能量治療。能量醫學是種很玄妙的替代療法，目前所知可以處理的能量包括科學證明存在的能量，如電能、磁能、光能，非科學能量，如靈氣，和傳統概念的能量，如氣功跟經絡。

能量療法成千上百種，最重要的是找到信賴的正派療師。我本身學過靈氣（Reiki），這段期間也很幸運一直有可靠的療師們照顧我，讓我親身見證主流醫學搭配能療的加乘效果。可以的話一週做一次，對身體復原幫助很大。

 

6. 遇到不確定或不安心的狀況時，立刻與醫療團隊反應。這段期間身體因免疫力下降容易有大小毛病，心情在藥物影響下也容易有起伏。在美國如果臨時約診，常常得等幾個禮拜才見得到醫生，幸好我的醫院有內部電子信箱，讓我有狀況時能立刻寫信向主治醫生求救，獲得妥善處理。朋友說，在臺灣，每位病人都有安排個管師，可以在平日獲得完善的資源與照顧。

Chapter 3: Care Tips Applicable Throughout the Entire Treatment Process

"My treatment includes chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. I'll first share some care methods that are applicable to all these treatments, and then discuss specific tips that were helpful for each individual treatment.

1. Stay Active: The best exercise for your body is the next one. If you can stand, don't sit; if you can sit, don't lie down. This habit helps maintain vitality and shifts your focus away from discomfort.
2. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily: Fighting cancer is a long-term battle, and you need physical strength to persevere. Even if your body feels tired and uncomfortable due to treatment, encourage yourself to move a little every day. I did arm swings, Yi Jin Jing (a type of Qigong), yoga, and walking. Some people, after consulting with their doctors, continued swimming and running.
3. Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water: Additionally, I made fresh vegetable juices daily to increase my nutrient intake. Because patients have weakened immune systems, I blanched the vegetables first. I adhered to a principle of consuming more vegetables and fewer fruits, controlling the sugar content. During treatment, I drank at least two liters of water daily to help my body detoxify.
4. Regularly seek psychological counseling: From the moment I learned I had cancer, I began a battle with death. Every variable, no matter how small, forced patients to reconsider the issue of life and death. I am fortunate to have received professional training as a life coach. During treatment, I applied the theories and methods I had learned to myself and, combined with regular counseling, helped myself overcome fear from the inside out, maintain optimism, and view each treatment as a blessing toward health.
5. Regularly receive energy healing: Energy medicine is a mysterious alternative therapy. The energies it deals with can be scientifically proven, such as electricity, magnetism, and light, or non-scientific, such as Reiki, or traditional concepts like Qigong and meridians. There are hundreds of types of energy healing. The most important thing is to find a reliable and reputable therapist. I have learned Reiki myself, and during this time, I was fortunate to have the continuous care of reliable therapists, allowing me to personally witness the synergistic effects of mainstream medicine combined with energy healing. If possible, doing it once a week can greatly help with physical recovery.
6. Immediately report any uncertainties or concerns to your medical team: During this period, your immune system is weakened, making you prone to various ailments, and your mood can easily fluctuate under the influence of medication. In the US, making a same-day appointment often requires waiting several weeks. Fortunately, my hospital has an internal email system, allowing me to immediately write to my attending physician for help when needed and receive proper treatment. A friend told me that in Taiwan, each patient has a case manager who can provide comprehensive resources and care on a daily basis."

#YouAreNotAlone

#去你的癌症！

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第二章 【去你的癌症! / 我那奇幻的抗癌旅程】系列

【去你的癌症! 我那奇幻的抗癌旅程】

這篇整理了從收到噩耗到開始治療前的準備。由衷感激大家的鼎力相助與加油打氣，讓我得以毫無後顧之憂的踏上充滿未知數的療程。

【Ch2. 抗癌前的前置準備】

1. 告知家人。何時告知看每個家庭的互動模式，我家是等到與醫生確定治療方案後才說，一來自己的心情已經穩定下來，二來希望將家人的不安與焦慮降到最低。

2. 建立生活的支援團隊。無論自認多堅強、韌性多高或多耐操，抗癌期間請敞開心胸（或摸摸鼻子）接受外界的協助，讓身體專心修復，也讓照護者有喘息空間。

3. 強化身心靈的支持系統。抗癌期間除了面對病魔，如何克服心魔也是一大挑戰，這段時間接受專業協助可以預防我們陷入憂鬱，減輕照護者的精神壓力，幫助大家維持正向心情。

我們在身體方面要當名遵從醫囑的好病人；心理方面可以與信賴的諮商師或生活教練定期會談，確保心理衛生；靈性方面如果沒有宗教信仰，可以培養靈修習慣，如禪修、冥想、靜坐等，有助於心靈的平靜。

4. 打點自己。如果會做化療，大推在治療前兩週理個俏麗短髮，因為頭髮約開始化療後兩週掉髮，剛好給自己一個月左右的鑑賞期！我原本想帥氣（自暴自棄？）直接理平頭，幸好前輩與美髮師極力阻止，讓我意外發現原來可以美美的迎接治療（大心）。

療程期間醫生囑咐所有用品都要溫和單純，Cerave、Lubriderm、Cetaphil等護膚產品都很好用，不僅平價，而且有效舒緩因治療引起的種種症狀。

Screw You, Cancer! A Breast Cancer Survivor's Story

This post summarizes the preparations I made from the moment I received the devastating news to the start of my treatment. I'm incredibly grateful for all the support and encouragement I've received from everyone, which has allowed me to embark on this uncertain journey without any worries.

Chapter 2: Pre-Cancer Treatment Preparations

1. Informing Family: The timing of this depends on each family. In my case, we waited until we had a confirmed treatment plan from the doctor. This allowed me to stabilize my emotions and minimize the anxiety of my family.
2. Building a Support Network: No matter how strong or resilient you may think you are, please open your heart (or mind) to outside help during cancer treatment. This allows your body to focus on healing and gives your caregivers a chance to rest.
3. Strengthening Physical and Mental Support: In addition to battling the disease, overcoming mental challenges is also a significant hurdle during cancer treatment. Seeking professional help can prevent depression, reduce the stress on caregivers, and help maintain a positive outlook.
   • Physical: Be a good patient and follow your doctor's orders.
   • Mental: Regularly consult with a trusted counselor or life coach to ensure good mental health.
   • Spiritual: If you don't have a religious faith, consider cultivating spiritual practices like meditation or mindfulness to promote inner peace.
4. Taking Care of Yourself: If you're going to undergo chemotherapy, I highly recommend getting a cute short haircut two weeks before treatment. Hair typically starts falling out about two weeks after starting chemo, so this gives you about a month to enjoy your new look! I originally wanted to go for a bold (and self-deprecating?) buzz cut, but thankfully, my seniors and hairstylist strongly advised against it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I could still look good during treatment. During treatment, doctors recommend using gentle, simple products. Skincare products like Cerave, Lubriderm, and Cetaphil are both affordable and effective in relieving various treatment-related symptoms."

#YouAreNotAlone

#去你的癌症！

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第一章 【去你的癌症! / 我那奇幻的抗癌旅程】系列

去你的癌症! / 我那奇幻的抗癌旅程
Screw You, Cancer! / A Breast Cancer Survivor's Story

 

【Ch1. 如何讓自己不活在罹癌的恐懼 】

Ch1.How to Stop Living in Fear of Cancer

進入正題前，想先談談如何調適得知身邊親人罹癌後的震驚與擔憂。

Before we dive in, I want to talk about how to adjust to the shock and worry when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer.

我的心得是，罹癌沒有原因，誰會罹癌，什麼時候罹癌都說不準。

In my experience, cancer doesn't discriminate. Anyone can get it, anytime.

雖然有些人的罹癌機率的確比較高，但以我為例，我家沒有癌症病史照樣中獎。所以在我看來，我們需要注意自己的健康，但不用因此過份擔心，因為擔心沒有用。

While some people are more at risk, in my case, there was no family history of cancer, yet I still got hit. So, in my opinion, we should pay attention to our health but don't worry excessively, because worrying won't help.

那怎麼辦？

So, what should we do?

開心生活，定期健檢。

Live happily and get regular check-ups.

癌細胞最怕聽笑話，讓自己笑口常開，是遠離癌細胞最有效的方式。

Cancer cells hate laughter, so keeping a cheerful disposition is one of the most effective ways to ward them off.

每年定期健檢。檢查結果一切綠燈，就放心生活。如果不幸出狀況，也能儘早發現，儘早治療，提高治癒率。

Get annual check-ups. If everything comes back clear, then live your life without worry. If, unfortunately, something does show up, it can be detected and treated early, increasing the chances of a cure.

良好的正循環，是維持身心平衡的不二法則。

A positive cycle is the best way to maintain a healthy mind and body.

#YouAreNotAlone

#去你的癌症！

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前言【去你的癌症！我那奇幻的抗癌之旅】系列

去你的癌症! / 我那奇幻的抗癌旅程

Screw You, Cancer! / A Breast Cancer Survivor's Story

【前言 / Preface】

放療結束後隔天回腫瘤科回診，醫生大讚復原狀況非常好，肯定我們的照護方法。

The day after my radiation therapy ended, I went back for a follow-up appointment with my oncologist. The doctor was impressed with my recovery and praised our care plan.

抗癌以來，無論是醫護人員或親友，見到我時總說我看起來精神很好，很難想像我正在接受讓人聞之色變的治療。

Throughout the journey, both medical staff and loved ones have commented on how good I look, considering the grueling treatments I've been undergoing.

我也覺得自己很幸運，無論是化療或放療，我的副作用都算輕微。手術的狀況比較多，但也有驚無險的度過。

I feel incredibly fortunate. Whether it was chemotherapy or radiation, my side effects were relatively mild. Surgery had its challenges, but I managed to get through it safely.

所以，我想趁記憶猶新時，寫下這段期間對我有幫助的事。希望能助需要的人一臂之力，穩下心來，找到適合自己的方式將療程的不適降到最低。

While my memories are still fresh, I want to share what helped me during this time. I hope this information can provide a helping hand to others, helping them stay calm and find ways to minimize the discomfort of treatment.

#youarenotalone
#去你的癌症！

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