Appointment with Therapist

I think I might have mentioned that I have been referred by my oncologist to a psychotherapist that works with cancer patients. Today was the second time I saw her and I think she is going to be helpful. We talked about my feelings of hopelessness. My belief that everything I did the last two cancer diagnosis to "heal" myself seem completely meaningless and ineffective because I am once again sick. These things included prayer, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and support groups. She said that just because I got sick again doesn't mean these things have no value. She said there are 5 aspects to to dealing with cancer: social, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. I told her I am having the most problem with the mental and the emotional aspects. She said there are tools I can use to help me re frame my mental thoughts. Here is a simplistic example, I am so disappointed and angry that I am not well enough to help my daughter plan and execute her wedding. In addition, I have not worked for several years so our financial situation is much more limited than normal. I have been focusing on what I can't do for my daughter as opposed to what I can do. She said each day I should think about one of these 5 areas and consciousely make a decision to create a happier/healthier environment. She says even though I don't have control over the outcome of this disease I create a meaningful hopeful life with cancer. She said it isn't "magic". A person just has to be willing to practice some different skills and ways of dealing with pain, anger and disappointment.