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13 Memes That Nail the Emotional Roller Coaster of Cancer

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Everyone is aware of the physical symptoms cancer throws at you, but until you are living with cancer yourself, you might not fully understand the second, “hidden” side of cancer: the emotional component. Being diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness that requires intense, body-altering treatment can, understandably, lead you to feel anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Dana Nolan, a licensed mental health counselor in central Florida, told The Mighty in her experience, most people with cancer develop symptoms of anxiety and depression at some point during or after treatment.

In addition to traditional coping techniques like seeing a therapist, joining a support group and practicing mindfulness, some people with cancer may discover that finding the humor in their situation helps them cope with their emotional ups and downs. Cancer isn’t funny, but if you can laugh at some of the ridiculous thoughts that pop into your head because of the stress of cancer, that might make those tough moments just a little easier to get through.

Below, we’ve rounded up 13 memes that perfectly describe the emotional roller coaster cancer puts you on. If you’ve experienced anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, disappointment, etc. of cancer, you might relate to these funny memes.

1.

trying to get through a doctor's appointment without crying, photo of person in laser maze
Courtesy of @racheltait123 Instagram

2.

drake looking at phone, caption me refreshing mychart every 15 minutes after bloodwork and scans
Courtesy of @thecancerpatient Instagram

3.

when you're in treatment and thought going out would be a good idea then you hear people coughing. photo of michael b jordan at basketball game looking worried
Courtesy of @thecancerpatient Instagram

4.

me pretending to be calm trying not to lose my shit during my oncology appointment, photo of spongebob
Courtesy of @thecancerpatient Instagram

5.

googling my cancer prognosis at 3 am, man whistling at woman passing by meme
Courtesy of @thecancerpatient Instagram

6.

when someone asks how im doing, cartoon of blue face (existence is pain)
Courtesy of @endometriosismemes Instagram

7.

how you feel after a doctor's appointment, head spinning cartoon girl
Courtesy of @chronicillnessmemes Instagram

8.

anxiety "what if this happens" meme
Courtesy of @joshuafletcher.author Instagram

9.

spiderman meme about watching tech's facial expressions to figure out what they're thinking
Courtesy of @give.a.care Instagram

10.

kermit looking out rainy window, when friends go out and you have to stay inside
Courtesy of @chronicpainmemes Instagram

11.

me at night choosing what's gonna keep me up til 3 am, netflix, twitter, stress, anxiety, depression
Courtesy of @chronicillnesshumor Instagram

12.

internet: a shot of baking soda will cure cancer. me: doubt
Courtesy of @cancer_hum0r Instagram

13.

Courtesy of Pinterest

For more insight on the cancer experience that might make you laugh, check out these stories:

Originally published: July 15, 2019
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