After you or a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis, a lot of doctor’s appointments are in your future, and as you would expect, that also means a lot of time sitting in waiting rooms. How can you pass the time while waiting to see the oncologist or for an infusion of chemo to finish?
Play games on your smart phone.
Many of the most popular smart phone games Angry Birds, Words with Friends, Quiz Up, and Candy Crush are free to download on Google Play and iTunes. These games can wear out your battery though so bring a portable charger with you. Be careful! These games can be addicting.
Take up knitting or crochet.
Knitting and crochet can be a fairly inexpensive hobby. Look up a tutorial on YouTube or check out a book or magazine from the library to learn the basics. If you or a loved one has lost hair due to treatment, you can make hats or scarves to stay warm.
Keep a journal.
Journaling is a great way to process your emotions. When you are going through cancer treatment, it’s important to care for your emotional well-being too. Even if you don’t like traditional journaling, maybe you would like writing poetry or short stories. There are also many journals you can buy with prompts and questions to get you thinking.
Write thank you notes.
Did someone send you flowers after surgery, bring you home cooked meal, or drive you to an appointment? If you’ve had family and friends helping you out during your cancer journey, send them thank you notes to let them know you appreciate their help.
Catch up on your reading.
You probably have a stack of unread books in your house or a queue of unread e-books on your tablet. If you need reading suggestions check out the best sellers lists, make a Goodreads profile, or ask a friend for a recommendation.
Listen to a podcast, standup comedy, or audio book.
If you have and iPod or MP3 player, download a podcast, like the popular Serial, your favorite standup comedy routine, or an audio book to listen to while waiting for the doctor. Just don’t forget your headphones!
Update your MyLifeLine or CaringBridge page.
Many cancer survivors create a MyLifeLine or a CaringBridge page to keep their family and loved ones updated on their treatment progress and overall well-being. You can also use these pages to arrange meal drop-offs and rides to treatment.
How do you pass the time in the waiting room or the infusion clinic? Let us know in the comments below or write on our Facebook page!
