Effective Communication Techniques to Reconnect with Family

We are living in a fast paced world which makes it difficult at times to really take the time to connect with your loved ones. That is why today, we want to focus on a few different techniques that will assist you in reconnecting with both your immediate and extended family during Thanksgiving!

To begin, lets begin with the "why" behind the importance of connecting with our family:

• Overall, by effectively communicating with our family ultimately connects us better. Overall this provides us with establish emotional support resources which is key for any individual but especially for those going through a difficult time.
• By integrating ourselves within each others emotional lives provides us with a sense of control over our emotional health.
• Connecting with family enhances our social and emotional skills.
• Provides the opportunity to clear out our emotional stress that we may have been harboring.

Techniques to ensure highly effective communication within your family this Thanksgiving:

1. Put away your electronics! Nothing takes away from a conversation like the constant interruption of a phone or tablet.
2. Maintain engaging eye contact and body language. Make sure you are facing towards the family member as you have a conversation with them so it can show to them that you are interactively paying attention to what they are saying.
3. Listen, listen, listen! By showing the other person you are listening bridges a connection between the both of you because they are aware that you are engaged and care about what they have to say.
4. Finally, establish your communication boundaries or willingness to discuss your treatment as it will be likely that someone will ask. This is okay! It is also okay if you are not up for talking about it as well--just make sure you know what your plan is ahead of time so you do not have to deal with any unnecessary stress!

5 Tips to Make this Thanksgiving Stress-Free

As we are approaching Thanksgiving this week, it can begin to feel overwhelming. From accomplishing "to-do's" on your holiday list to ensuring our normal daily routines are in order, the wonderful [but sometimes stressful] chaos has begun! Add on the stress of being a pediatric cancer patient, and stress levels can really begin to sky rocket.

That is why today we would like to share 5 simple tips to get through this holiday week without letting cancer get in your way!

1. If you know the typical Thanksgiving menu will not do, prepare a meal that will be perfect for you. It is no secret that chemotherapy or other treatment regimens can take a toll not only on your ability to comfortably eat but also can effect your tastebuds. If you know that the foods that your family typically prepares is not for you this year, make sure to pack your very own meal that will provide you with nothing but comfort!
2. Make sure to have some anti-nausea techniques ready to go! Whether you have been prescribed anti-nausea medications or prefer natural remedies make sure you have these available! Nothing will ruin a good time like overwhelming nausea--so be prepared! Check out our various anti-nausea remedies.
3. Dress comfy, comfy, comfy! Typically family functions on this holiday last for more than a few hours, therefore it is important to make sure to dress in whatever is comfiest to you.
4. Get a good night's rest before AND after the big day. Rest is an extremely important part of going through treatment. It is important to rest up before the big day so you are able to get the most out of this wonderful holiday. Additionally, long hours out can be hard on your body if you are a pediatric cancer patient so make sure you also rest well the night after.
5. Finally, and most importantly, just relax and enjoy your day! This by far is one of the most important tips that we would like to share. Being a pediatric cancer patient does not define who you are and it is important to shut that part of your life out, even for a couple hours and simply enjoy your time with your loved ones!

A Wonderful Quote that Inspires the "Giving" Feel for the Time of Year

Staying Warm tips!

Tis the season for cold weather now! Hard to believe winter is here already. It is important when you are on treatment to make sure to stay warm.

Here are 12 tips that will help. These tips are provided to you by Mental Floss check it out at http://mentalfloss.com/article/60076/12-toasty-tips-staying-warm-cold-weather

1. WARM YOURSELF FIRST. 

It's easier to change your body temperature than room temperature, not to mention more eco-friendly. Instead of turning up the heat, put on another layer of clothing.

2. WEAR A HAT. 

Your mom may have said that you lose 80 percent of your body heat through your head, but that's not actually true. If you're otherwise clothed, you'll lose heat from any surface that's exposed. So put on your hat, even if you're inside.

3. TURN ON THE CEILING FAN.

Warm air rises to the ceiling. Run your fan on its lowest setting in a clockwise direction to push the warm air back down to where you can feel it.

4. SWITCH BETWEEN HOT AND COLD WATER IN THE SHOWER.

Hot showers immediately warm you up, but cold showers improve blood circulation between your skin and organs. Cold showers are also correlated with a stronger immune system.

5. BLOCK DRAFTS WITH A POOL NOODLE. 

Keep heat in and cold out by cutting a pool noodle in half lengthwise, wrapping it in fabric, and sliding it under your door. It'll stay put all winter, and you can re-use it at the pool come summer. (But we recommend you spring for a new one.)

6. TWO WORDS: PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT.

Another two words: Obvious, right? Stay toasty on schedule, so you never go home to a living room that's colder than outside. You can even do it with your smartphone.

7. TRICK A LOCKED THERMOSTAT.

Not everyone has access to adjust the thermostat in their apartment or office building. If that's the case, you may need to outsmart the device by making it "think" the room is colder than it actually is. Putting ice near it often does the trick.

8. DRESS YOUR WINDOWS UP IN WARMER CLOTHES.

If you're not wearing a tank top or going sleeveless, your windows shouldn't, either. Replace thin curtains with heavier wool or fleece drapes in the winter. But be sure to open them on sunny days for free heat.

9. GO AHEAD, BAKE ALL DAY. 

Using your oven heats up the whole house. You'll feel even cozier if you invite friends—and all their body heat—over to eat four dozen cookies.

10. START COMPOSTING. 

If you're already interested in composting, here's another reason to do it: The microbial breakdown of organic material produces heat. Some people use it to warm up showers and greenhouses, but even small-timers in studio apartments can feel a difference.

11. LAYER YOUR COVERS WITH THE THINNEST, DENSEST ONES ON TOP.

It's intuitive, but fluffy blankets should be closer to your skin. Thin, dense blankets should be on top to prevent convective heat loss. Bonus tip: Don't put your bed directly against an exterior wall. You'll be warmer if you leave a little space. 

12.  STUFF YOUR COAT POCKETS WITH DIY HAND WARMERS.

3 D.I.Y. Wonderful Alternative Uses for Pumpkin!

Pumpkins are a classic symbol of fall, but did you know that there are many more uses for this vitamin rich fruit [yes it is technically a fruit!]? Well let us share with you our top three favorite alternative uses for pumpkin for this Tips and Tricks Monday!

Number One- D.I.Y. Pumpkin Face Mask

How does this mask benefit my skin?

Pumpkins are packed with antioxidants, zinc and many other enriching vitamins helping provide anti-aging effects and wrinkles all while gently exfoliating to give your skin a glowing radiance. Additionally the recipe below also includes honey, which is the perfect natural remedy for dry skin-which we all know can a very real side effect of chemotherapy.

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup of Pumpkin
• One whole egg
• A few teaspoons of honey

Directions

1. Whisk together ingredients
2. Lather on face
3. Relax with Pumpkin mask on skin for 15-20 min

           Number Two- Combat Tummy Issues

How can pumpkin help with tummy issues?

Pumpkins are extremely high in fiber and can help remedy more urgent issues all while getting your system back on track. There are a multitude of ways to whip up this natural remedy, so find one that is right for you!

              Number Three- Pumpkin Butter

Butter is a household staple for almost every home--use this to your advantage to make your own butter by using the vitamin rich fruit! Check out this recipe we found from All Recipes website.

Ingredients

• 1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup apple juice
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Combine pumpkin, apple juice, spices, and sugar in a large saucepan; stir well.
2. Bring mixture to a boil. 
3. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until thickened. Stir frequently.
4. Transfer to sterile containers and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Keep yourself full with this biscuits and gravy for thanksgiving!

Biscuits are a great thing to eat while undergoing treatment because they are filling and flavorful but not to overpowering for the senses. Here is a great recipe from Carla Hall and The Chew on ABC that I recommend. If you are up to it, you can try this recipe with the Turkey Gravy wth your Thanksgiving leftovers I'm just a biscuit fan myself.

Happy Cooking, and don't forget that cooking and baking can be therapeutic, try helping your parents cook these biscuits and see.

The Chew Recipe here

Pre Thanksgiving Craft!

Crafting is a form of Art Therapy allowing you to take your mind off whatever you are going through that day. It also happens to be fun! Here is a pre thanksgiving craft you can use to get in the mood for the kick off of the Holiday Season.

Make this paper plate Turkey Craft, and I love how the use fall leaves to make feathers!

For the steps go to http://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-plate-turkey-craft/

A great thanksgiving program!

Giving back is a big part of Thanksgiving month. It also can be helpful in when dealing with your illness. This is a great program that you should look into. It has the theme of giving back this holiday season and really help pay it forward.

Food and Healthy eating, we address theses topics all the time on this blog. Here is an organization that helps supply healthy food to those in need, its called Katie's Krops, and they give grants to kids who want to build a garden to donate the crops to food banks. She even started it when she was a kid herself very similar to the founding of Teen with a Dream. Kids are the future, and we truly can do so much good all we have to do is start!

http://www.katieskrops.com

And don't forget to write us at Teenwithadream.org if you would like to pay it forward with us. You can volunteer for a program and pay it forward to others with cancer.

A bit of Inspiration today

I love my job running a nonprofit. It means everyday I get to think of ways to help people and then find ways to make it happen. It also means that I get to meet other amazing people in the nonprofit world. So today's inspiration will be a bit different from other posts. I had the honor of meeting a co founder of the Snip Foundation. They have an amazing oragnization thats mission is to improve the wellness of dogs and cats in developing worlds. Animals are inspiration because of the love and joy they share and hopefully at least once a therapy dog has come to visit you in the hospital.

For today's inspiration I encounrge you all to take a look at this amazing chairty, plus the cute pictures of the animals never hurt! Don't forget that it takes everyone doing a little bit to make the world a better place.

http://www.snipfoundation.org

Mindfullness to help emtional health

Cancer, Cancer Treatment, and Post Cancer Treatment is stressful, it will mean instead of a few things going on in your life like most kids you will have dozens. But don't worry, like it was said yesterday, you are strong! Stronger for having to endure this. Here is a helpful link that will help you learn how to meditate. I know to some mediation sounds silly or even a waste of time, but it really is just a way to center yourself, turn off your mind for a bit so that you can oragnize your thoughts, and gives you prespective on things happen in your life. Some form of meditation just 5 mintues a day will most likely change the way you think about things. Try it and see what you think!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5480/5-Tips-to-Teach-Children-Mindfulness-Meditation.html

What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger!

The saying "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger" is well known. It's most likely something that every cancer patient and their families have heard from friends or anyone that you encounter and share your story. The saying is mostly true however, if you are in the middle of your treatment it can feel like the whole thing is well a lie! I know it is hard, but the statement is true, you will be stronger after this. It is something you have to keep looking for during and after treatment, but life will never be the same again, when you look around you will see what is possible in the world, the kindness in the world, and what love can do.

Hopefully Teen with a Dream can help with something during and after treatment so here is todays tip. When you need a break from the overwhelmingness listen to some music! Here is a song that I found helped me! Hope you all enjoy!

Spencer Harrison

#TBT to Teen with a Dream's Spooktacular Germ-Lite Party

Holidays are a time for kids to let go, relax and have fun. Halloween is full of kids on the run, laughing with friends and collecting goodies through out the neighborhood. Being able to do this when you are a pediatric cancer patient becomes really difficult due to their suppressed immune systems. 

Most patients are unable to attend parties, hang out with friends and Trick-or-Treat that is why Teen with a Dream finds it to be important to offer an alternative. That is why we are sharing Throwback Thursday Photos of our past "Spooktacular Germ-Lite Event" for our program resource. 

Patients engaged in art therapy through decorating pumpkins, played Halloween themed games and also participated in a D.I.Y. cupcake decoration station!

Enjoy!

Tips + Tricks to Chemo: Concealing and Keeping Your Ports Safe

Apart of being a pediatric cancer patients means you are forced to deal with lots of needles, which is why through the years doctors have created a tool that lessens the number of needle pokes a child will get by implanting either a "Right Atrial Catheter", "Central Line" or "Port". 

Whether you already have one, or know that it is is you treatment future, it is important to keep this very important "tool" germ-free, safe and comfortable. That is why today's Tips + Tricks to Chemo is all about working with this tool and making it is comfortable and stylish as possible. 

With Halloween around the corner there has never been a better time to invest in either creating your very own covers to cater your Halloween attire + costume OR order remade covers!

Check out the video below to see how to make your very own port covers!

If you are not in a hurry to get a port cover or if you just want to choose from pre-made options check out PICCZEES where you are sure to find a cover that fits your unique personality. 

Therapy Animal Resource

Today's program resource is a state-by-state list of animal therapy organizations. Additionally there are a multitude of organizations that provide working with these therapy animals and your child through reading. Since this week is all about the significance of reading, we were ecstatic to find such a thorough resource!

To begin lets take a look at therapy animals in general and the comfort that they could provide your child during treatment...

What is Animal Therapy?

It is a guided interaction between the certified animal, an individual and the animals trainer. The purpose of this interaction is to provide comfort and help the individual cope with health problems or mental disorders.

What does Animal Therapy do?

The bond between humans and animals have been an established part of our nature for centuries and this type of therapy simply builds on this bond to accomplish progressive coping skills. According to Healthline.com it can help with [but not limited to]:

• improve fine motor skills
• improve assisted or independent movement
• increase self-esteem
• decrease anxiety or loneliness
• increase verbal communication 
• develop social skills
• increase willingness to join in activities
• improve interactions with others
• motivate willingness to exercise

Check out a full list of Animal Therapy Services in your state HERE at the Local Therapy Animal Organizations resource!

5 Inspirational Children's Books

Yesterday, we discussed the benefits that reading has on your child's emotional health. Now, we would like to share with you 5 inspirational children's books to get you started on your reading journey!

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

 A perennial favorite, Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise graduation speech is the perfect send-off for children starting out in the world, be they nursery school, high school, or college grads! From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and illustrations, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within. [Amazon.com]

 Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley

Bob Marley’s songs are known the world over for their powerful message of love, peace, and harmony. Now a whole new generation can discover one of his most joyous songs in this reassuring picture book adaptation written by his daughter Cedella and exuberantly illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This upbeat story reminds children that the sun will always come out after the rain and mistakes are easily forgiven with a hug. Every family will relate to this universal story of one boy who won’t let anything get him down, as long as he has the help of three very special little birds. Including all the lyrics of the original song plus new verses, this cheerful book will bring a smile to faces of all ages—because every little thing’s gonna be all right! 

[Chronicle Books]

                         I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont

Positively bursting with energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves, inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! This little girl knows that being proud of being you is the most important thing to remember.

At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful, and straight from the heart. [Scholastic]

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees

This story is about a giraffe called Gerald who can’t dance. At least he can’t dance very well. As a result, he gets teased by the other animals. After a devastating encounter at the local 'Jungle Dance', he is laughed out of town.

With the guidance of a wise and gentle cricket, Gerald learns to listen to the sounds around him and to his own body, and is able to dance so well that the other animals are left in awe.

The message of this lovely rhyming tale is that it is okay to be different and dance to the beat of our own drum.

The book is delightfully illustrated with rhinos who rock and roll, lions tangoing, and baboons performing a Scottish reel. The humour appeals to adult and child alike.

The rhymes makes for easy reading and children will love and laugh at the pictures showing animals doing all manner of unusual things. As well as the message about being brave by doing brave things, the story is a wonderful tool for teaching about the damage prejudice can do. [Kid's Book Review]

          Have You Filled Your Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love. Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves. [Amazon]

Program Resource: The Blanket Fairy

For today's program resource Thursday we would like to share with you a wonderful resource that is spreading awareness of pediatric cancer and whose mission is to:

"The Blanket Fairy's Mission is to make and donate as many blankets as she can to children with pediatric cancer. The Blanket Fairy follows many blogs & websites and when she sees a child that needs a lift in spirits while going thru treatment she will contact their parents to have their child go into her Sprinkle Dust Treasure Chest to pick out a blanket or any other item that may be available in there."

Lets take a look at where the inspiration for The Blanket Fairy all began....

I have had several people ask me why I started this. January 2010 my husband had just left the kids and I in Arizona so he could start a new job in Missouri. We had a bad year in 2009. The economy in Arizona was crazy. He could not find anything in AZ that was just enough for us to survive. So we sacrificed. We could not afford to all go at the same time.

The day that he rolled out of our driveway it tore me to pieces. I was now a single parent and we would not see him until the very end of May. It broke my heart that my kids would ask when is daddy coming home. Mady was 1 at the time and Zach was 5. I thought my life was just so terrible and I had a hard time sleeping missing my husband, taking care of the kids 24/7 by myself, putting the house on the market, packing up the house getting ready for the big move, going thru an unexpected surgery while trying to pack the house being told not to lift anything more than 5 pounds, etc.

---

My Inspiration - Layla Grace Marsh

It was about a week after he left on one of my sleepless nights. I saw a prayer request for Layla Grace Marsh on twitter. I was curious so I clicked on the link and read the current journal entry. Layla had just relapsed with Neuroblastoma. Curious on what this was I went back to the first page of their journal and I stayed up all night and read the whole journal. My heart was broken to think of the pain that these innocent children go through. Not just that but what the whole family goes thru. 

---

Parents are seperated to long periods of time in between hospital stays, siblings don't see their mommy or daddy for long periods of time during treatments and I realized that cancer affects the whole entire family. 
I thought to myself what can I do. For 5 years I had been making baby blankets and selling them online.  I remember seeing alot of Layla's pictures and she had a blanket with her in several of those pictures. 

Take an in-depth look at The Blanket Fairy and their astounding cause here

CDC's Autumn Health Resource

The Center of Disease Control recently released their Autumn Health and Safety Tips. Check out their tips below to ensure you have a healthy happy and safe fall season...

Original PDF available HERE

Taking a Look into Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do you ever feel as though current weather conditions can affect your mood? Well this seemingly causal occurrence is an actual occurrence. This change in mood is called Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is defined by the Mayo Clinic as: 

"Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.

Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year."

Seasonal Affective Disorder is considered a "sub-type" of major depression--but there are differences between the two. Lets take a look and compare the symptoms between these.

According to the Mayo Clinic the following can be symptoms of SAD versus major depression:

Fall and winter SAD

Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include:

• Irritability
• Tiredness or low energy
• Problems getting along with other people
• Hypersensitivity to rejection
• Heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs
• Oversleeping
• Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
• Weight gain

Spring and summer SAD

Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include:

• Depression
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Agitation or anxiety

VERSUS

Major depression

Seasonal affective disorder is a subtype of major depression that comes and goes based on seasons. So symptoms of major depression may be part of SAD, such as:

• Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Having low energy
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Having problems with sleeping
• Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
• Feeling sluggish or agitated
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Continue reading up on Seasonal Affective Disorder below on the following topics:

1. Causes
2. Risk Factors
3. Complications
4. Preparing for your appointment
5. Tests and Diagnosis

Recipe to help improve your mood.

I learned to cook when I was going through treatment for my own cancer, my mother taught me everything that she knows and it was a great escape to learn something that brings joy and light to everyone. So it is no surprise that I became addicted to cooking shows as well, The Chew on ABC was not around when I was going through my treatment however I've been a fan for all 4 years it has been on. This recipe is from The Chew I encourage you to try watching cooking shows to help pass the time during your treatment, but also learn to cook, it is empowering and uplifting plus food truly brings people together.

Earlier this week we spoke on foods that can improve your mood, here is a recipe using leafy greens that will be delicious!

Spicy Southern Greens and Beans with Corn Beard by Carla Hall

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/spicy-southern-greens-and-beans-with-cornbread-carla-hall

The Chew Recipes Spicy Southern Greens & Beans with Cornbread
ingredients
SPICY SOUTHERN GREENS & BEANS WITH CORNBREAD
GREENS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
2 pounds collard greens (washed and drained)
2 pounds kale (washed and drained)
1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup Tangy Chow Chow Pickles
1 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoons sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
CORNBREAD
2 cups stone-ground yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup creamed corn
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons canola oil
PINTO BEANS
1 1/2 cups dried pinto beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 cups chicken stock
step-by-step directions
For the Greens: in a large sauté pan with high sides, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until caramelized, about 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the greens by removing the stem, rolling into a cigar shape and cutting lengthwise into 1/4-inch pieces.
To the large pot add the red pepper flakes, garlic, vinegar and sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the greens and 1/4 cup of water. Cook until wilted and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add the Chow Chow relish and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Carla's Cornbread and Pinto Beans.
For the Cornbread: preheat oven to 425ºF. Heat a 9-inch cast iron skillet in the oven until very hot.
In a medium bowl, add the cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, add the eggs, sour cream, creamed corn and 1/2 cup oil and whisk until combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth
Add 2 tablespoons oil to the hot skillet, then add the batter.
Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes or when an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
For the Pinto Beans: in a large bowl, add beans and cover with 2-inches of water. Cover bowl and allow to soak overnight. Drain and rinse beans.
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add the pinto beans, chicken stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer stirring occasionally. Cook until the beans are tender, about 1 hour (add more chicken stock if necessary).
Helpful tip: Use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans to decrease cooking time.

Splurge! to help you during treatment days.

Friday has come and here is our easy Splurge tip for the day. This could not be more easy and it is worth a try to see if you can help yourself during your treatment.

It seems that Chemotherapy will take up your whole day, when I had went through it I got up at 5am to start chemotherapy at 7am and then ended at 5:30pm. So if you think of it in terms of adults it is a full time job to save your life. So just like full time job holders we can also use a some time during the day just for ourselves.

Here is the easiest splurge ever, get up earlier in the day, I know it sounds crazy, but it is proven that if you have more time to do things before your scheduled to be somewhere you are more relaxed. You can go a step further and even do things during that time to make you happy, watch happy videos, meditation, or read a book you love. Just take some time during your day before you have to go and do something awful like chemo and then take a nap during treatment or after.