Journaling is an awesome way to track how you feel and reflect on your journey as you progress

A journal can be helpful in many ways. It can be used

  • As a planner to keep track of your general health (it can be as detailed as you want). You can bring your journal to appointments with your doctor to make it easier when they ask you about your symptoms. After treatment is over, it can be meaningful to look back and see all the progress you have made
    • Some things you might like to track each week:
      • the severity of your symptoms (e.g., mild, moderate, or severe or on a scale of 1–5)
        what medications, if any, you took and how the medication helped (or did not help) with the symptoms
      • what you ate
      • how you slept
      • any questions you have about your treatment
  • As an emotional outlet to express feelings of gratitude, joy, frustration, or sadness
  • As a wish list or bucket list of things you want to accomplish during or after treatment
  • For doodling or drawing

Some prompts for reflection:

  • Reflect on a moment of personal unexpected strength or resilience during your chemotherapy treatment. How did it make you feel?
  • Describe a small victory or accomplishment you’ve experienced recently, no matter how insignificant it may seem
  • Write about a supportive friend or family member who has made a difference in your journey through chemotherapy. What did they do that meant the most to you?
  • Share a memory of a moment that brought you joy or laughter amidst the challenges of chemotherapy
  • Reflect on a lesson you’ve learned about yourself or life in general during your chemotherapy treatment
  • Write about a favorite hobby or activity that brings you comfort and distraction during chemotherapy sessions
  • Describe a dream or aspiration that motivates you to keep pushing forward despite the difficulties of chemotherapy
  • Explore your thoughts and feelings about the future beyond chemotherapy. What are your hopes and dreams?
  • Write a letter to your future self, reflecting on your journey through chemotherapy and offering words of encouragement and hope

Use a physical journal or download some online templates here!