I have a couple of tools that really help. Initially I composed a guide of sorts as my illness progressed to full PMF. This really helped keep things in perspective.
I’m not a cancer victim. I am a cancer survivor.
I will approach this illness with dignity and grace.
I will live each day to the best of my ability.
Each day, I will express gratitude for the many blessings I have.
Each day on waking up I revisit the dignity and grace as a reminder.
I've learned what part of the day I be most effective, then do what I can then.
I allow myself to have couch days doing nothing and don't beat myself up.
I try to make someone else's day at least once a day.
I make sure family knows how special they are.
Meditate, pray.
Lastly, while I am limited physically in some ways, my brain still works so I try to keep it engaged (i.e. play lots of solitaire).
More simply, I focus on what brings me joy and peace.
Best, jim

I try to ration my use of energy. Most days I can get a load of laundry done and dinner cooked and on the table. If I have to shop for groceries or go somewhere it feels like too much. I nap every afternoon for about an hour. I am an avid reader. I'm also a news junkie (BBC News).

My coping skills are praying daily + @ night. I like to prioritize and organize my day. I'm disabled d/t severe sciatica. I had to stop working as a nurse almost 8 years ago. I do what I can when I can. I take my dog outside by using my scooter. I watch TV, also have attended a few of the MPN webinars that were very helpful + interesting. I also watch or read new information on the MPN site. I'm a member of the CHAMPN program and talk with one of the people (same person) about our ET. I believe the best we can cope is reading all your information about how you deal with ET, PV + MF. Also having a good support group on our side that we can talk + cry to. We all are coping the best we can with our different types of cancer.

Hi Jim. First and foremost FAITH. All caps because that’s how important it’s been in helping me to cope. Relaxation, prayer, and comedy. I know that sounds silly but if I turn on a good sitcom or comedic movie when down in the dumps, within minutes I can find myself laughing and forgetting about my current woes. What about yourself? Do you have any favorite skills you could share with us?

Is there someone in the group that you can use as your mediary and get the word to the group before the dinner that due to your disease, you are embarrassed to say that it is necessary for you to lie down and rest, as opposed to when you were younger and healthier. Therefore, ask them to plan ahead as to where they could go for the afternoon activities—perhaps at one of the others’ homes.