This post is written especially for patients and their families. Over the past few weeks, several patients have asked me about the small, everyday things that can make a difference during treatment. It felt important to share some reflections on what is within your control—habits, routines, and connections that can bring strength and meaning alongside medical care. On a personal note, I am excited to share that I will be joining the Advent Health Cancer Institute in downtown Orlando starting December 1, 2025, with a focus on connective tissue oncology and immunotherapy. I’m grateful for the opportunity, as I finish my time here in West Virginia and transition back to Florida. In the meantime, I will also be covering locum clinic at a local Orlando clinic that recently lost their oncologist. I’m thankful to Orlando Health and Dr. Rafael Manon for their support in making this possible. This transition marks an exciting new chapter, and I look forward to continuing to care for patients in Orlando.
When people think about cancer treatment, the focus is often on the medical side—chemotherapy, scans, appointments, and lab results. But in my experience, what truly shapes a patient’s journey is not just the treatments themselves, but the small, everyday moments that give life meaning.
These moments—whether a walk outside, a shared meal with family, or simply writing down thoughts in a journal—can provide strength, resilience, and a sense of control during a time when so much can feel out of your hands.
The Power of Movement and Nutrition
One of the most consistent patterns I’ve seen is that patients who keep moving—whether through daily walks, light aerobic exercise, or even gentle strength training—tend to do better than those who remain inactive. Exercise helps blood flow, boosts energy, and can even improve how the body responds to treatment.
The same goes for nutrition. It’s not about strict diets or the latest food trend—it’s about giving your body balanced calories, with protein and healthy fats to sustain strength. Eating well becomes one of the most empowering things you can control.
Rituals of Connection
I’ve always been struck by the patients who turn their treatment days into something more than just an infusion. Some arrive with a family member or a friend, and they make a ritual of it—grabbing breakfast before, or sharing a meal afterward.
It may sound simple, but these rituals transform treatment days into moments of connection. Instead of being remembered only as “chemo days,” they become shared experiences of love and support. These intentional moments anchor patients emotionally and create something to look forward to in the midst of a difficult routine. Change it up and ask different family members or friends to make the most of the day with you.
Everyday Anchors for Resilience
Beyond movement and nutrition, I’ve seen patients find strength in journaling, breathing exercises, or setting aside time each day to pause and reflect. These anchors don’t take away the weight of treatment, but they help carry it.
And sometimes, resilience is found in doing something you love. I remember a patient who, after receiving a difficult leukemia diagnosis, looked at me and said, “I’ve lived a good life. What I want now is to go fishing.” For him, fishing wasn’t just an activity—it was meaning, joy, and peace. That reminder—that life is about what brings us fulfillment—stays with me.
What Doctors Sometimes Forget
As oncologists, we can get caught up in the treatment plans, the scans, the appointments. But what really matters, and what patients and families often remind us of, is that cancer treatment is not just about living longer—it’s about living fully.
The real question isn’t only, What treatment should I take? It’s also, What do I want my days to look like? Whether it’s a walk at the beach, a morning at the mall, or time with your grandchildren, these daily joys are as important as any prescription.
Advice for Caregivers
For caregivers, your role is invaluable. You are often the manager, the planner, the cheerleader and the extra set of ears in the room. But one of the greatest gifts you can give is patience—listening to your loved one’s body and respecting when they need to rest, eat, or move at their own pace.
You can also help by planning small, meaningful activities around treatment days—things that bring joy and connection. Sometimes, it’s not the treatment itself that defines the day, but the meals before treatments, the laughter during a drive, or the quiet moments of simply being together.
The Bottom Line
Cancer treatment is not just about medicine—it’s about life. While doctors focus on the therapies, you can focus on the everyday choices that build strength: moving your body, nourishing it with food, staying connected to loved ones, and cherishing the small rituals that make life meaningful.
Take it one day at a time. Control what you can—your mindset, your nutrition, your activity, your connections. And above all, remember: you are not living for treatment. You are living your life, and treatment is there to support that life—not define it.
About the author
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. He brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.
Disclosures:
Dr. Thomas serves as a speaker for Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Merck, Ipsen, Natera, Immunocore, Pfizer, and SpringWorks. He also receives industry grants in support of numerous clinical trials.