Comfort objects help cancer survivors
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/comfort-objects/MY01901
- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
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Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
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Living with cancer blog
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Oct. 29, 2011
Comfort objects help cancer survivors
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
This week I'd like to explore the idea of finding strength in comfort (or security) objects. Just like children who love their soft blankets or stuffed animals to sleep well at night, we as adults also find comfort and security in familiar items that have importance to us. It might help inspire you, guide you, and calm you during times of celebration as well as challenging and traumatic times.
As a cancer survivor you may have an item that you use for strength or celebration during your life experiences. It might be symbolic or it might be a real item that you enjoy having close to you. Maybe it's a personal item such as a picture or something really comforting like a handmade quilt, a soft pillow or favorite item of clothing.
My comfort objects are stones. I collect and carry around little rocks and stones from my travels and experiences. One of my favorite stones is a polished agate with beautiful layers and colors that was given to me years ago by my grandfather. I love to look at the beauty of the stone and think of the years and layers that created it. Sometimes I put it in my pocket or pack it with me when I'm away from home or know that I need extra courage or strength to get through.
I would love to hear if you have used comfort objects during your life. What has helped you? Why did it help you?
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