It can be a lonely, cash-strapped time....

It can be a lonely, cash-strapped time going through cancer treatment. You may have to take a leave from work, some cannot return to work, and sometimes, relationships end once a diagnosis is on the table.

The group discussed getting together to offer one another support in a group setting, but what happens outside of those times? How do try to make changes for the better, or feel more normal and in control of oneself? Here are a couple of suggestions to bring back a sense of normalcy:

Need a nice, normalizing few hours, an opportunity for a little kick back and immerse yourself in something that has nothing to do with your diagnosis? What if I told you there is a way to go to the movie theatre, with admission, popcorn and a drink and get change back from a $20? I bet you would find it unbelievable...but I am being truthful. Check out current listings at a little theatre in Mississauga that I discovered: Cine-starz. This place has the feel of a little family run theatre, they show current releases, and are not mega-sized but intimate little theatres with comfortable seats, There are also locations in Oakville and Burlington. Sometimes a few hours in the dark with a good story to watch can supercharge your week, and give you that sense of control that a cancer journey can strip you of. Check out what's playing:

http://cinestarz.ca/cinestarz-mississauga/

So you have been told that you need to make changes. Or, in the face of the cancer diagnosis, you choose to make changes about your health. Where to start? Where to get the motivation to get off the sofa? Maybe finding a "buddy" to exercise with is a good place to start. Canadian Cancer Society has a free service called ActiveMatch - it pairs folks up who have similar exercising goals together by geographic areas and similar health goals. You can sign up for free at www.activematch.ca.

PS - was made aware today of a Loblaw-store based website for discounted groceries that are still saleable, but may be bruised/re-packaged/expiring within the week (not all locations participate, but it lists what is close to you). Do your due diligence, perhaps at the next meeting we can review if you found it helpful.

Flashfood Grocery Deal is downloadable from the app store.

Til next month, take care.