The Ups and Downs of Cancer Recovery
- Veteran comedian Kathy Griffin, 61, has been having ups and downs during the recovery phase from surgery after beating lung cancer late last year, but luckily things are once again on the upswing as she headed out in a fancy dress to a Hollywood premiere.
- Understandably, having half of your lung removed can take quite a toll on your body, and although Griffin has recently been having some sick days in bed, she has also been counting her blessings, especially during her “on” days.
- When healing from lung cancer, it's important to keep close contact with the members of your care team to let them know about the severity of your pain and discomfort, as well as any anxiety and stress that you may feel.
Understandably, having half of your lung removed can take quite a toll on your body, and Griffin has recently been having some sick days in bed, but has also been counting her blessings.
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George Carlin’s American Dream, which premieres on May 20 on HBO for the rest of us, was directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, chronicling the artistry of the late comic.
“I’m just excited to be out and about,” Griffin said in the video. “Yes, I had two doctor’s appointments today, but I rallied!”
Even more exciting than Griffin feeling better, dressed up and heading out for a night on the town? Her voicewhich was still extremely hoarse during a couple comedy sets last month is sounding exponentially better.
“Your voice is sounding great!” one fan wrote, while another similarly took note, “Your voice is sounding so good!!” Others chimed in saying how gorgeous she looks and complimenting her hair, while fellow actor and comedian Rosie O’Donnell told her, “Have a blast Griffin.”
The last time Griffin was out and about was about a week ago, capturing the moment with a funny quip about her Gucci scarf. “I wish the letters were bigger on the scarf,” she joked of the ginormous logo down the front. “It's a little too subtle for me,”
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Getting Dressed Up Can Do Wonders for Your Health
All jokes aside, getting out of bed and dressing up, or just putting on make-up can often do wonders to lift you up when you’re sick.
Not into beauty and fashion? Pick one activity that makes you feel most like yourself, or more importantly, makes you feel good about yourself, and rock it! Whether it’s going on a hike, treating yourself at a fancy restaurant, going to see a friend or family member, or doing a staycation at a hotel in town, changing your surroundings can help boost your spirits.
And if you do like beauty and fashion like Griffen, well, then go full glam!
Celebrity Stylist Ann Caruso on Beauty and Femininity After Cancer
Fashion stylist and cancer survivor Ann Caruso expressed to SurvivorNet how important it is to “wake up and move forward every single day.” She expressed how her cancer surgeries definitely changed her and, like Griffin, she suffered a lot of trauma on her body. “You’re not the same carefree person you once were,” she said.
Caruso says she didn’t fit into any of her clothes (which Griffin recently told Jimmy Kimmel was the case for her as well, hence the head-to-toe Gucci athleisure). “You need a few things that you feel good in,” Caruso added, “because when you feel good in the clothes that you’re wearing, it gives you confidence.”
Healing from Lung Cancer
Kathy Griffin, a non-smoker, was diagnosed last August with stage one lung cancer, and had surgery immediately after. Although she has had some setbacks since, the survivor, overall, has been progressing. It is not something that happens overnight.
When healing from lung cancer, it's important to keep close contact with the members of your care team to let them know about the severity of your pain and discomfort, as well as any anxiety and stress that you may feel.
Related: Quitting Smoking Can Help the Success of Your Lung Cancer Surgery
"It's critical after surgery that you do keep active and keep your body in the best possible condition," says Melissa Culligan, a thoracic surgery nurse at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Side Effects: Managing Pain and Discomfort after Lung Cancer Surgery
While Griffin appears to be listening to her body with these recent symptoms, she has also appeared to be back to her active self. Keeping active and overdoing it are two different things. It’s all about balance, and listening to your body. Often times, slow and steady wins the race!
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