MCA Staff Writers

Today, on Christmas Eve, many families will be gathering to exchange gifts and spend time together. Many cancer survivors say that their cancer journey has already given them gifts greater than any present they could receive on a holiday. Cancer isn't a gift by any means, but the experience of overcoming adversity - of gaining new perspective- is something that is priceless.

When a patient learns their cancer is in remission after many months of treatments, surgeries, and side effects, a cancer survivor does not need a lesson in gratitude. Every new day and regular activities will bring on a new found appreciation and the small things will certainly not be dwelled on. So what do bigger occasions, like the holidays, mean to a cancer survivor?

With exactly two weeks until Christmas day, many families and loved ones are in the midst of their holiday shopping frenzy to prepare for the big day. But the holidays may not be bringing comfort and joy to everyone this season. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be at a loss for what to give that person for this holiday season. When going through cancer treatments, patients often deal with side effects that leave them not feeling well and uncomfortable. There are many great gifts that could make a patient smile and feel better. Whether you are a family member, friend, or caregiver, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has put together a list of suggestions to help any gift giver, whether the occasion is Christmas, a birthday, or a “just because” gift.

The holiday season generally brings to mind memories and images of spending time with your family and friends while you carry out your yearly traditions. However, for someone dealing with a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatments, the holidays can take on a different perspective. No matter the time of year, cancer is not only stressful on the patient, but also very stressful on family and loved ones. Psychologist, physical therapist, and bestselling author, Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, witnesses first hand how cancer affects patients and their families emotionally. Here are five tips from Dr. Lombardo to help families stay strong when someone is fighting cancer:

Dealing with cancer can cause a lot of different emotions, especially during the holidays. With the holidays come a lot of gatherings with family and friends; which means a lot more social expectations and obligations. Often times, the cancer treatments that patients are going through can cause daily nausea and fatigue. This may result in a patient not being as into the holiday spirit. There are many things that cancer patients and their friends and family can do to reduce the stress that the holidays may bring.

First known as Armistice Day, the history of Veterans Day comes from the end of fighting during World War I on November 11, 1918 when an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany went into effect and ended the most destructive and widespread war to that date. The war officially ended seven months later when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.

When someone goes through a tough time in his or her life, it is always helpful to hear advice from other’s who have been there too, and cancer is no exception. We spoke to former cancer patients and survivors to bring you their best helpful tips and inspiring advice.

The MCA recently spoke to Kate Fitzpatrick, who lives in Connecticut with her husband, a lung cancer survivor, and their daughter, Kelly Rose, who was born exactly one year after her father completed chemotherapy. Below, Kate shares tips from a caregiver’s perspective on how to take care of yourself as you care for a cancer patient.

Virtually everyone is touched by cancer—whether you are a patient, family member, friend, colleague or caregiver. We all want to demonstrate our care and concern without being intrusive. We wonder: What should we say? What should we do? How can we help?

We spoke to clinical psychologist, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, about the ways a family can stay strong when a cancer diagnosis happens. Here is what she had to say:

It’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day! Today, we wanted to bring you some facts about mesothelioma and asbestos. As awareness builds, so does hope for all mesothelioma patients. We hope you will help us to spread the word. Please visit our Facebook Page for more facts that you can share.

Dr. Heather Paulson, a Naturpathic Oncologist with Arizona's Natural Health Center Cancer Care Team, advocates for cancer patients and their loved ones to recover from a diagnosis and treatment naturally. Here are 8 steps to follow for a healthy recovery.

With Mesothelioma Awareness Day approaching fast, we wanted to do something a little different this year. On 9/17, we launched our "Lend Your Hand" campaign.

This is a common question after the delivery of bad news, especially with something as life changing as a cancer diagnosis. Coping with cancer is not easy. There has also never been a manual written with absolute, specific directions on how to cope with being diagnosed with cancer. Some people turn to their family and friends for support, while other turn to religion and prayer.

In an highly anticipated announcement on the eve of the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said that first responders, emergency workers, volunteers and residents who worked in or lived around the smoldering wreckage will now be able to receive treatment for diseases contracted from exposure to the toxic wreckage.

We live in an increasingly social age, with more information available instantly for public access than ever before. On most occasions this creates a more informed and educated population, but in some situations the bombardment of unending and sometimes conflicting stories can be confusing and counterproductive – especially when it concerns health issues like cancer.

Andra Brosh, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Los Angeles area. She specializes in the human relationship, and helping individuals and couples with creating and sustaining fulfilling relationships in any context of life. Her focus is on pre-marital counseling, marriage, divorce and heartbreak. To learn more visit Dr. Brosh's website.

In the wake of a cancer diagnosis, feelings like fear, anger, and frustration are common. However, the patient is not the only one suddenly overwhelmed with these emotions. Cancer, it seems, is a disease diagnosed to everyone close to the patient, as well.

In difficult times, people tend to lean on their family and friends for support, care, and love. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is certainly a time when the support of loved ones is especially important. However, what if, instead of support, a patient received a narcissistic attitude from a loved one? Instead of care, a loved one retreated from the patient’s life? How should someone in a situation like this react to their loved one’s attention-seeking and negative attitudes and what explains the behavior?

When it comes to a loved one being diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to know the right things to do for them. Everyone has different preferences and ways of dealing with hard times, but there is always something you can do! Here are the best tips and pieces of advice from those who should know best!