Serves: 5

Most cancer survivors say the best way to deal with your own recovery is to take charge. That means taking control of your life, control over your cancer and control over treatment options and potential side effects. So much about survival depends upon your outlook. Choose to educate yourself and learn as much as you can in order to make wise choices that are right for you.

Although each course is individual, survivors say there are six universal themes that are key to coping with and living with cancer.

1. EAT NUTRITIOUS FOODS.
The link between diet and health continues to grow stronger with each new study published. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 35 percent of new cancer diagnoses are related to diet. In addition to affecting physical health, food plays a major role in your mental health and well-being. The food you eat affects your energy level and how well you sleep and think. In your cancer battle, you may find that as your energy level drops, food will bring it back up. One survivor said, "During cancer treatment, eating was a tool to ward off both physical and mental fatigue."

Cancer patients have increased nutritional needs. And sound nutrition has a tremendously positive impact on healing. During treatment, your body has a greater need for calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. This increased need is based on two reasons: (1) Your body is fighting the disease, which requires more energy and more nutrients than usual, and (2) your treatment kills cells, both cancerous and healthy cells, thereby disrupting the nutrient balance in your body.

Food can help you regain strength and vitality, but how do you know what to eat and how much? Eating can make you feel worse, so how do you know which foods to avoid? Fortunately, eating well does not have to mean preparing complicated foods or gourmet recipes. The simpler and easier the recipes are to prepare, the better-and the more likely you are to have the energy to eat.

One cancer survivor feels that eating well is the most important factor in her own healing: "Eating is a time of enjoyment and socialization. It goes beyond food. It is a ritual that brings people together for support, communication and pleasure. It is a way for us to feel 'normal' with family and friends."

2. REMAIN POSITIVE AND HOPEFUL.
"Keep a positive attitude, because it will help you physically and mentally," says another survivor. Though being "up" all the time is not possible, finding at least one thing to be thankful for each day can lift your spirits and give you courage. With a little practice, you will find more and more things you can appreciate.

To achieve the hopeful part, you can try to face your worst fears. Being able to identify what it is that you fear most may be helpful. Do you fear death? Leaving others behind to live out their lives while you are gone? Perhaps you fear life--if there's pain and discomfort. Whatever your fears are, trying to face them and coming to terms with them is very helpful for healing.

Once you've worked through your fears, it is possible to have hope and to go on living. Although imagining this seems difficult at first, some survivors say they think about having cancer as being presented with a gift, a unique ability to grow, to build inner strength and to make positive changes in their lives.

3. USE PRAYER, MEDITATION AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES.
Studies among patients in hospitals have indicated that there is a strong connection between healing and prayer. Having faith in a higher being, one who can help guide you through difficult times, is beneficial to many survivors. Spiritual connections, whether through prayer or meditation, can provide comfort, stress relief and focus for many people. For these reasons, prayer and meditation can be extremely beneficial to those who are sick. Even knowing that others are thinking about you in their prayers can provide relief. You are not alone. If you aren't comfortable with the concept of a higher being, practice relaxation techniques and realize that you are connected with all parts of the universe--the trees, waterfalls, the birds--those things that give you comfort.

4. REMEMBER TO LAUGH.
Laughter is like internal jogging. It promotes better blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, relieves pain and stimulates the release of certain hormones that can have a calming effect. Laughing and smiling are contagious and can have a profound, positive effect on healing. One survivor said, "People must think cancer patients don't have a sense of humor. My family doesn't say anything funny to me anymore." Laughing at yourself or telling a joke can help ease tension, especially for family or friends who may not know what to say during this particularly difficult time. Letting others know you want to laugh and need to laugh may help ease their discomfort as well as yours.

5. STAY CONNECTED TO OTHERS.
Isolating yourself from others during this difficult time may be tempting, but don't! Staying in touch with family and friends is very helpful to cancer survivors. Everyone needs support, and who better to provide support than people who know you and care about you? Cancer survivors offer advice to other survivors and their families: "Surround yourself with those you love!" "Just keep talking and sharing." "Join a support group!" "You don't need to do this completely on your own."

6. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
"This is one time when it's okay to be selfish. Concentrate on yourself and getting well." "Don't be afraid to ask for help!" Advice from survivors includes tips on letting others help. Many cancer survivors find that asking for assistance isn't as hard as they think it might be. Anticipating the asking seems to be the hardest part, especially for those of us who pride ourselves on self-sufficiency. You may be surprised to find that friends and family are willing to help in any way they can they just need guidance on where to put their efforts.

Find ways to be especially good to yourself, and include as many of the following options as you can each day and each week:

Exercise daily. Thirty minutes of walking or light exercise is recommended each day to improve appetite and strength and to reduce fatigue. Try doing light housework, walking around the house or climbing the stairs. Because some days you will feel more energetic than others, be sure to exercise whenever you feel up to it. Many survivors have found that even a few minutes of exercise or activity stimulates their appetite. Your own energy level and how you feel are your best gauges to the frequency and amount of exercise that's right for you.

Enjoy nature. Take a walk through the woods, picnic outside or stop to listen to the birds. Immersing yourself in nature will refresh and nourish you. Nature can be very healing for body, mind and soul. If you can't go outside, relax by an open window and breathe in the fresh air, or gaze at nearby trees, faraway cloud formations or a fresh snowfall. Listen to the sounds of flowing water, even if it means simply running a bath!

Celebrate! Celebrate simple accomplishments, such as reaching treatment hurdles or survival milestones. Take time to set the table and use the good china, just for fun. Put flowers or a plant on the table to represent life. Ask a friend to drop off some colorful balloons to create a party atmosphere. Plan a backward dinner where the whole family is silly and eats dessert first, then the main meal.

Express yourself. Express your feelings, thoughts, hopes and frustrations in a journal. Write, type on the computer or record your thoughts by whatever means works best for you. You may be surprised by what's going on in your head and heart. Being able to share your feelings releases tension and aids healing.

Try something new. Some survivors find that trying something new is rejuvenating. It's one way to lessen fears and boost spirits. Try a new food, a new body stretch or even a new adventure. Experience life to keep yourself feeling alive. One survivor who describes herself as "not too athletic" took up yoga for the first time and found she really enjoyed the stretching and breathing. Yoga helped her tune into her body in a new, healthy way.

Rest. No matter what time the clock says, if you're tired, take a nap. Sleep is your body's way of shutting down to recharge, to regain energy and start anew. Try to sleep well at night by slowing down before bedtime and limiting caffeine late in the day. And if you need to snooze during the day, allow yourself this wonderfully healing renewal.

Use relaxation techniques. Find a comfy spot and listen to calming music or try deep breathing to relax. Use meditation--even for a short time--by repeating a simple word or sound to focus your energy and center yourself. Visualize being in pleasant surroundings enveloped in healing light and warmth. Stretch out on the bed or floor and let the tension ease out of your body. If you're feeling up to it, have a gentle massage, or take a yoga class.

From "Betty Crocker's Living with Cancer Cookbook." Text Copyright 2005 General Mills, Inc. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

More Recipes from the Betty Crocker's Living With Cancer Cookbook Cookbook:
01-Having A Diagnosis Of Cancer
02-Bring Back the Joy of Eating
03-Be Prepared for a Roller Coaster Ride Coaster Ride
04-So What Is Cancer All About, Anyway?
05-Take Control of Your Life
06-Eat Well and Enjoy Food
07-The Importance of Sound Nutrition
08-Enjoy Cooking, Shopping and Eating
09-Special Diets
10-Foods for Special Diets
11-Mind-Body-Spirit Connection to Healing
12-Beyond Treatment
13-The ABCs for a Healthy Lifestyle
14-Onward and Upward
A-Key to Common Side Effects
B-Foods Rich in Essential Nutrients
C-Food Guide Pyramid
D-Radiation (Radiotherapy) Remedies