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The limits of positive thinking

There's been some talk lately, on the various message boards, about what effect, if any, positive thinking plays in curing cancer. This topic has been discussed many times in the past, so I was surprised when both Karl, Lymphomation, and Chaya, CLL Topics, reposted on this subject in the same week. (I guess they're also running out of things to write about.)

So not to be out done, and since I don't believe I've ever addressed this topic before, I thought I'd get in on the action, and reiterate some of the ways I've approached dealing with cancer. It was either that, or posting about how doctors are to blame for emergency room overuse.)

Like most knowledgeable people, I am of the belief positive thinking is a good thing, it's just not going to cure your cancer.

Thinking positively will make you feel better, because going through life pissed off, and/or depressed all the time, doesn't do anyone any good (just trust me on that). That type of thinking is more likely to make you even sicker, at least from a mental standpoint, if not a physical one.

To cure your cancer, my best advice is go the conventional route. Listen to your oncologist/hematologist, but stay informed. Remember, doctors are only human. Don't over react when caution may be the more prudent approach. And don't be fooled by those who promise magical cures not supported by clinical evidence.

Most of all, have fun. Enjoy life (a lot easier said than done sometimes). Treat every day like it's your last, and remember what Brenda said to Nate when they first met,

The future is just a concept we use to avoid living today.


Oh and lastly, avoid Facebook, and I'm not talking about the stock (although I would avoid that as well). You don't have to be connected all the time. I guarantee you'll be a lot better off. It's been over a month since I suspended my Facebook account, and I haven't miss it one bit. I also think you'll find you have more time to do the things [exercise] you want and/or should be doing instead.
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Comments

Alan said…
I recently read a study (sorry don't remember where or the title) which studied this very question. The conclusion was that attitude made no difference in outcomes.

The danger of this common misconception is that for people who relapse, not only do they have to deal with that misfortune but have to deal with "failing" to have a positive enough attitude.
10:04 PM
Stephen Joyce said…
I completely agree with this. I have a go at the positive thinking industry in my blog. Feeling better by thinking positively is one thing, blaming the victim for not 'thinking' their cancer away is just sinister.

http://stephenjjoyce.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/its-not-all-about-you-thankfully/
3:38 PM
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