Reefing as Cancer Therapy

[Bonvivant25]

Hello all,

I have been a long time lurker on this site. I used to have a nice reef tank about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, health issues forced me to take it down. Oddly, it is now health issues that are making me think about starting things back up.

When I originally took my reef down, I was forced to do so because of back issues. I lived alone and just couldn't give the tank the attention that it deserved. That was about ten years ago. Fast forward 10 years and I am married and living in a new home. During these last 10 years, I have always kept up with the reefing world. It is just so fascinating to me. As a result, I have slowly come around to the idea of starting up again.

Unfortunately, I am now faced with a much more serious health issue-Stage 4 cancer. I was diagnosed about a week or two ago and it has been a whirlwind of doctors, testing and pain. Yet, this has sparked an interest in getting involved again in reefing. A little about myself would probably clear things up. My whole life I have been a projects orientated person. Whenever I am faced with serious issues, I find it easier to cope when I have a side hobby/project going. During most of my hardest life issues, I have sought out the comfort of diversion that comes from a good project.

I am hoping that this might be a good project to slightly divert my attention from the treatment. What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone in the group started something like this while fighting cancer. Should I just focus on something simpler. I really would like to hear thoughts on this. Thanks in advance!

 

[Gablami]

I love the idea. I can totally see how starting up a reef tank would be therapeutic. When I started, I was obsessed. It was all I could think about for months. And when you’re setting things up you get into a “flow” like state where time just flies. It should help take your mind off of things.

obviously you may want to plan for unexpected absences or have someone trained to manage routine maintenance and feeding. This may influence your choices of fish and corals. Cancer care can be unpredictable (as I’m sure you’ve considered). But I think the pros far outweigh the cons.

if you do start a tank, please start a tank thread and let me know. I’ll be part of your support group.

 

[Roolin_W]

First off, sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I think getting back into the hobby will be beneficial. It can help you think about other items rather than an illness.

I ended up getting into the hobby because of a disease I developed, and I truest think that the tank has helped me out; whether it be to give me something else to thing about, or starring at my tank to help reduce stress/feel tranquil.

Best of luck friend.

 

[Bonvivant25]

Thank you so much! If I do, I will definitely do a build thread.

 

[Peace River]

Reefing is effective therapy from many pressures including cancer, PTSD, and many other challenges that we face. Write your own story and continue to look for ways to thrive!

 

[ReefKeeperElite]

Hello all,

I have been a long time lurker on this site. I used to have a nice reef tank about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, health issues forced me to take it down. Oddly, it is now health issues that are making me think about starting things back up.

When I originally took my reef down, I was forced to do so because of back issues. I lived alone and just couldn't give the tank the attention that it deserved. That was about ten years ago. Fast forward 10 years and I am married and living in a new home. During these last 10 years, I have always kept up with the reefing world. It is just so fascinating to me. As a result, I have slowly come around to the idea of starting up again.

Unfortunately, I am now faced with a much more serious health issue-Stage 4 cancer. I was diagnosed about a week or two ago and it has been a whirlwind of doctors, testing and pain. Yet, this has sparked an interest in getting involved again in reefing. A little about myself would probably clear things up. My whole life I have been a projects orientated person. Whenever I am faced with serious issues, I find it easier to cope when I have a side hobby/project going. During most of my hardest life issues, I have sought out the comfort of diversion that comes from a good project.

I am hoping that this might be a good project to slightly divert my attention from the treatment. What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone in the group started something like this while fighting cancer. Should I just focus on something simpler. I really would like to hear thoughts on this. Thanks in advance!

First off, my sympathies for your diagnosis, and best wishes during this time of treatment and recovery. Life is full of ups and downs. Some downs are life-threatening, some very depressing, and some are just long periods of pure boredom. Having been in the hobby for 25 years, I have found that reef keeping becomes an integral part of you, starts to consume you, and thereon provides a focal point that you attach to, regardless of what life is throwing at you. Your tank mates are always there, and depend on you to keep them happy and healthy. This provides an outlet you can use to forget about your own tribulations for a while, and focus other meaningful things. With this in mind, I would positively recommend pursuing the hobby while you recover.

 

[Big G]

Welcome to R2R!
Can't speak for others, but as a cancer survivor myself, I whole heartedly give a big thumbs up. FWIW, just keep it simple. It will put miles of smiles on your face.

 

[rhastareefer]

Reefing is 100% therapy for me, even water changes. That's why I love my corals so much. I suffer from extreme anxiety and my reef is one of the very very few things that can keep me focused and calm me down so I totally get where you're coming from. Have faith in your doctors and be diligent about advocating for your health and what you need - cancer treatments have come a long way. My great aunt is dealing with Stage 4 as well but has been THRIVING once she found the right medications to keep the cancer in place without any adverse side effects and stop its spread (and I do mean STOP, it is not spreading even though it's metastatic). I wish you the very best in your treatment and encourage you to go full speed ahead with that reef because your mental health is every bit as important as your physical health in a fight like this. Stay strong and try to focus on the positive things you have in life to distract from the pain and I'm sure anxiety that comes at times like this.

 

[serwobow]

I think you should go for it, absolutely. Great idea. My dad has terminal cancer, and I can say that his garden and pond are two really important things that keep his mind in a good place. I would recommend to keep it simple with a covered all in one tank with almost all softies, so you wont need to be concerned with maintenance issues if you get stuck in the hospital for a long period, and everything will still be fine when you get back. The color and varieties of soft corals, and faster growth rates, will mean that your tank will look awesome faster and will be more resilient also.

 

[New&no clue]

Welcome to the Reef. I staring reefing for the same reason, except it was my 1 year old son who was diagnosed with cancer. I spent all day long focusing on him and his doctors appointments and he kept me going, but at night when he went to sleep I couldn't sleep I'd just think of every bad outcome and research every possibility. I started reefing to help distract me, when he was in surgery I researched skimmer, when we were driving 5 hours to specialist I bored my husband with different types of corals. It completely kept me sane and was a great distraction from everything. If you are the type of person who needs to stay busy I think it is a great thing to do. I wish you all the luck in the world with your treatment, your tank, and just your overall well being.

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R. My prayers to you for your well bring.

 

[muzikalmatt]

I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I'm sure you can beat it! I absolutely think reefing would be a great hobby/distraction for you. I know it helps me quite a bit when I'm going through issues with work, bills or my personal life. There is so much information to dive into that you can spend as much or as little time on it as you want. Then just sitting and watching the tank inhabitants and enjoying the fruits of your labor is extremely therapeutic in my opinion. I wish you the best of luck in both your upcoming battle and your reefing endeavors. Stay strong!

 

[Bryn]

As Aretha Franklin sang,

"I ain't no psychiatrist
I ain't no doctor with degrees
But it don't take too much I.Q."

To say "why the hell not", I wonder if the site will censor that... ;Woot EDIT: It got through....

Here I'm sure you will find a family that will be the distraction from other burdens. Bring it on, as well as how you are feeling, and doing. We will want to know, sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved.

 

[muzikalmatt]

As Aretha Franklin sang,

"I ain't no psychiatrist
I ain't no doctor with degrees
But it don't take too much I.Q."

To say why the hell not, I wonder if the site will censor that... ;Woot

Here I'm sure you will find a family that will be the distraction from other burdens. Bring it on, as well as how you are feeling, and doing. We will want to know, sometimes a problem shared is a problem halfed.

Amen! I think you'll be surprised at the amount of love and caring people share on these forums.

 

[BighohoReef]

Welcome to the community, I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. As many have said an aquarium would be a great therapy to help you with your recovery. Just be aware of the time commitment, and get plugged into your local reefing community tons of people out there that I believe would want to help. Where are you located? Our thoughts and prayers go out you and your family!

 

[salty150]

Reefing is a great therapeutic!

There are vets on the "other" reefing site with PTSD that swear by reefing.

Go for it and good luck to you!

 

[dbowman5]

I agree with the other posts. plus i will add that the people in your life will benefit from you being a Reefer, if you enjoy it. Allow them to share if they want. it will give them a feeling of usefulness that is beneficial to combat the helplessness.
Be blessed.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Hello all,

I have been a long time lurker on this site. I used to have a nice reef tank about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, health issues forced me to take it down. Oddly, it is now health issues that are making me think about starting things back up.

When I originally took my reef down, I was forced to do so because of back issues. I lived alone and just couldn't give the tank the attention that it deserved. That was about ten years ago. Fast forward 10 years and I am married and living in a new home. During these last 10 years, I have always kept up with the reefing world. It is just so fascinating to me. As a result, I have slowly come around to the idea of starting up again.

Unfortunately, I am now faced with a much more serious health issue-Stage 4 cancer. I was diagnosed about a week or two ago and it has been a whirlwind of doctors, testing and pain. Yet, this has sparked an interest in getting involved again in reefing. A little about myself would probably clear things up. My whole life I have been a projects orientated person. Whenever I am faced with serious issues, I find it easier to cope when I have a side hobby/project going. During most of my hardest life issues, I have sought out the comfort of diversion that comes from a good project.

I am hoping that this might be a good project to slightly divert my attention from the treatment. What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone in the group started something like this while fighting cancer. Should I just focus on something simpler. I really would like to hear thoughts on this. Thanks in advance!

So sorry about your diagnosis and hope for a positive outcome for you. I helped my sister nurse her husband with terminal cancer every day for just over a year before he passed away. He had always loved tropical fish and we bought him a five foot tank. His best times were going to the LFS for fish. It was extra work for me as I did the maintenance on it.
This week my sister herself has been diagnosed with lung cancer. At 80 it is scary news for her. again I am in a supporting position but I get my break by looking after my reef tank. I am currently in the process of purchasing a bigger tank which will help distract from worries.
I hope your tank will do the same. Lots of love and support will be in this forum for you.

 

[Bonvivant25]

Amen! I think you'll be surprised at the amount of love and caring people share on these forums.

I already am. This is really swaying me toward doing in.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Also a Stage 4 survivor / patient (medically induced remission). The hobby is great thearapy! Welcome to the family! Like @Big G said, keep it simple!