How to Find Joy During Cancer Battle
- TV presenter Jonnie Irwin, 49, is finding joy amid his stage 4 lung cancer battle. He reunited with a fellow "Escape to the Country" co-star in a joyful embrace at a rare public appearance.
- Irwin learned he had lung cancer in 2020 and has been coping with his emotional diagnosis ever since. His struggles include difficulty sharing the details of his health with his family.
- Dr. Dana Chase, gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Health, says emotional health and good quality of life are both associated with better survival and better outcomes among patients. She encourages cancer patients to prioritize their emotional health for this reason.
- Your support group plays a big role in helping you find joy and boost your overall emotional health. A support group can be made up of loved ones like friends and family, a patient advocate, or a support group in-person or virtual.
Famous TV presenter Jonnie Irwin, 49, is showing off a positive and vibrant side of his stage 4 cancer journey, as the "Escape to the Country" star reunited with some of the show's fellow cast members at a red carpet event and was hamming it up.
An important aspect of any cancer journey includes finding what brings you joy, and Irwin is continuing to tap into this amid his cancer fight.
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It is heartwarming to see Irwin relishing in the joys of life presented to him. When he stepped onto the red carpet for the annual Television and Radio Industries Club Awards it was a rare sight to see because he's remained largely out of the limelight since announcing his stage 4 lung cancer.
Since going public, the TV presenter has been showered with words of encouragement and prayers from supportive fans on social media.
“I have stage 4 cancer and seeing you living life to the full is wonderful,” one Instagram user wrote.
Irwin revealed he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020. He later revealed that his cancer had spread and was terminal.
Over the last few years, Irwin has focused much of his time on creating memorable moments for his family. His three young sons are unaware of their father's cancer diagnosis. Irwin has avoided explaining his prognosis to them, who are just three and four years old.
By prioritizing his family and friends, Irwin is choosing to focus on what brings him joy and positivity in life rather than allowing his cancer to dominate his mindset. This is a strategy some SurvivorNet experts recommend for cancer patients because it can help their overall emotional and physical health.
Focusing on Joy and Support Rather Than the Cancer
Jonnie Irwin is dedicating many of his social media posts to cherishing joyful moments with his loved ones. He was immensely grateful for the wonderful Father's Day garden dinner he received last week.
The positive emotions he's getting to experience are good for his overall health, especially as he undoubtedly experiences some painful days. He also admitted he would go into a hospice to give himself comfort because he didn't want his children to see him in pain when it arises.
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Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Health, says that maintaining good emotional health and quality of life is associated with better survival and better outcomes for patients. She encourages cancer patients to prioritize their emotional health for this reason.
"So definitely working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment, your emotional well-being, definitely working on those things and making them better are important and can impact your survival," Dr. Chase told SurvivorNet.
Dr. Chase suggests tapping into your support network, which can be made up of loved ones like friends and family. It can also be a patient advocate or a support group – in-person or virtual that shares your cancer or disease.
WATCH: Your emotional health includes focusing on what brings you joy and happiness.
In the end, taking care of your emotional healthwhether that's your mental well-being or social networkwill help you live happier, and may even help you live longer. Dr. Chase says.
Focusing on Joy and Happiness Amid Cancer
If it takes you a little longer to find positive emotions that bring you know that's OK. Everyone processes emotions differently.
The National Cancer Institute has some additional coping strategies to help you manage your emotions.
Express your feelings, which may range from sadness to anger or anxiousness. In fact, after a diagnosis, these emotions are completely normal, according to Dr. Shelly Tworoger, a researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center.
"There's a number of common things cancer patients can experience such as anxiety, depression, financial toxicity, social isolation and sometimes even PTSD," Dr. Tworoger told SurvivorNet in a previous interview.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
Other tips include avoiding blaming yourself for your cancer diagnosis. If you're not feeling upbeat on any given day because of your diagnosis, don't fake it. Give yourself grace as you adjust to this big shift in your life.
Choose when you're ready to talk about your cancer and navigate your feelings. In the meantime, find ways to help yourself relax. Sometimes this may include doing your favorite activities or spending time with loved ones.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you're battling cancer or on the other side of it, and you're struggling with your outlook on life, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor to get the conversation started:
- What can I do if I'm struggling to be thankful for what I have in my life?
- Are there local resources for people wishing to improve their mental health?
- What else can I do to help reduce my stress level during my cancer journey?
- It's difficult for me to find happiness and joy. How can I find help?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.