The Value of Finding What Brings You Joy During Cancer
Country music star Toby Keith, 61, is "getting stronger every day” after being diagnosed with cancer in 2021, recently shown out fishing and even singing with excited fans.
Keith underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, and he had to cancel concerts and shows amid his battle. So it’s great to see Keith finding joy in life through his journey.
Gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Dr. Dana Chase explains that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes.
Cancer patients are encouraged to work on their emotional and mental health by focusing on the positive while on their cancer journeys.
Sometimes your favorite activities bring you all the joy you need to boost your emotional health and help improve your overall prognosis.
Country music star Toby Keith, 61, is "feeling good and getting stronger every day" amid his stomach cancer battle, according to a local Arkansas company that he recently bought.
After taking some time away from public life during what he described as a “debilitating” cancer journey, it’s so great to see news that Keith is doing well and getting better!
Luck E Strike (@luckestrike_) June 18, 2023 Since his cancer journey began, Keith has undergone the rigors of cancer. His notable weight loss – ad bravery – is evident. But despite it all, he is still finding reasons to embrace the joys life has to offer – whether that’s fishing with friends or impromptu singing with fans.
Toby Keith rocked out with @OU_Softball during their championship celebrations 🎶ðŸ†
Earlier this month, following a historic 2023 season for Oklahoma University's women's softball team where the players won their third consecutive national championship, Keith joined in on their celebration.
The singer returned to the stage to lend his voice to his signature hit, "How Do You Like Me Now?!" Joining the country singer on stage were the softball champs in a joyous rendition of the number one hit.
It’s heartwarming to see Keith’s fans stay by his side through his journey, despite having to cancel concerts and shows after his diagnosis.
When the Luck E Strike company posted an update on Keith’s health, fan Jo-Anne Bennett Kuhteubl commented, "Looking mighty fine Toby Keith. Nice to finally see a picture of you.”
After his 2021 stomach cancer diagnosis, Keith underwent six months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. He described his cancer journey as "pretty debilitating" in an interview last year with Page Six.
If you've been diagnosed with cancer, remember to try not to let it define you. One way to do this is by finding things you enjoy and tapping into them. Many cancer patients often gain a refreshed outlook on life after a cancer diagnosis.
"We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes," Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, previously told SurvivorNet.
WATCH: Working on your emotional health can help you find joy in life.
Dr. Chase advocates for cancer warriors to prioritize their mental health. She says finding activities that bring you joy is part of the journey to boost your overall mental health.
Sometimes the activities can be art, cooking, spending time with loved ones, pet therapy, or music. Based on recent social media posts featuring Keith he may be tapping into some of these joyful activities himself.
TWIN LAKES, WI – JULY 21: Toby Keith performs during Country Thunder – Day 3 on July 21, 2018, in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Thunder)
"If that's related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities," Dr. Chase adds.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you're battling cancer or on the other side of it, and you're struggling to find the joy in 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?
ANSWER QUESTIONS
