By Jenny Kwak, LCSW, OSW-C 

A patient recently sent me a lovely message of gratitude. Part of this message said, “You have been so amazing in helping me see my cancer with a different lens. I’m not saying I’m 100% there, but I am on my way. You have allowed me to embrace my authentic self to feel all the feels and not be ashamed. That to cry and be said is ok. But most importantly, I have never been more present and grateful in my life. That shift in attitude has given me the fortitude to go forward and to fight as long as I can.” 

Her words were a balm for my own eyes. I had cataract surgery the week before I received her message and I reminded myself that I also need to see my work with gratitude and be present. That practicing self-care can mean many things and having self-compassion and understanding for our own suffering is part of it. We can contribute to a community of caring when we allow each other to share more deeply. 

During these past four years I was quite busy creating a role as Radiation Oncology Behavioral Health Clinician. After 14 years at Stanford Health Care as a Clinical Social Worker, I started the pilot in fall 2019 and the world shut down by March 2020.​​ I created a webinar for AOSW called Hindsight is 2020: Claiming Space as a Radiation Oncology Behavioral Health Clinician. You can see it here. I was reminded time and again by patients and staff that we all needed to practice self-care and promote resiliency. 

During the height of the pandemic, I was asked by our Culture Club committee to start a segment for our Radiation Department’s Tabletalk with RadOnc ​​Podcast,  https://www.accc-cancer.org/podcast/podcast-detail/mini-podcast-ep-68-supportive-care-in-radiation-oncology  and I titled the segment, “Steps to Self-Care.” I would focus on tips and meditations and got to interview some of my favorite authors and speakers. I was also able to share on panels such as our Stop Asian Hate, Cancer Survivorship Panel, and Anxiety and mental health. The podcast committee I worked with created something I believe is special and we were asked to continue to bring together our large department closer since we continue to work in a hybrid environment. Other members of the committee have also increased conversations on diversity and inclusion and have promoted increased awareness during Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month with contributions from multi-disciplinary panels. Any staff member can be interviewed and can volunteer to be a panelist. I learned more about the different members of our radiation team. For that I will always be grateful to everyone who shared their stories and their coping strategies. 

When I was diagnosed with grade 1 breast cancer in April 2022, the stories of resilience that colleagues and patients shared helped me in my own healing.  I learned to slow down and focus on my own health in a much deeper way. Looking at my own need for inner healing of mind, body, and spirit I was able to reach out to other cancer survivors and advocates, attend support groups, and take many of the wellness classes and resources that I have always recommended to patients. In addition, I took nutrition classes, reiki healing, acupuncture, yoga and meditation classes. My job for a few months was focused on my own work of healing after surgery and radiation. I am mindful of the need to heal. Taking anti-estrogen medication daily and reminding myself of the need to prioritize my own health is the best way I can model healing for others. 

“Self-care is not selfish, you are enough.” I have this statement on a wall hanging outside my office door. It is a practice I believe in daily and my mantra to get through the most challenging times. I’m grateful I get to continue working with patients and help them see that they are also part of my meaning and purpose for showing up.