Five tips on coping in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis causes distinct reactions in everyone. Most feel a spectrum of emotions set off by the inquiry, “why me”?
Working through these feelings and finding names for the circumstances takes time. Concerns regarding the future, your treatment plan, and the life following treatment are normal. These five suggestions will help you deal with the diagnosis:
Take the time to learn about your diagnosis
Processing any material on your condition can first be difficult. While feeling this way, it’s natural to forget or ignore many specifics concerning a complicated disease. You could be feeling nervous or angry.
When those emotions pass, and you feel ready, it can enable you to learn more about your illness and what to expect from your doctor, healthcare team, or other reliable sources. Share your issues and worries with your healthcare staff to get their perspective. Ask questions even if they seem little or you have asked them before. Having someone with you to pay attention to what your doctor says and note things might assist. You can also ask them to jot down particular details so you might investigate further later.
Get informed about your cancer
Making educated decisions about your care is possible if you have access to quality information about your cancer. Knowing everything in detail makes many people feel more assured and in charge. Others would like not to know anything and defer to their cancer care team when making decisions.
Whatever course of action you choose, you can be sure your cancer care team is looking out for your best interests. Attending the initial visits with your partner, a close family member, or a friend is a smart idea so they can take notes and help you remember everything that will be discussed. Issues like lung cancer require a comprehensive understanding of treatment options and potential side effects, so having a support system present can be invaluable.
Accept your feelings
After learning one has cancer, one naturally goes through a spectrum of emotions, including more difficult ones like anxiety and dread. One can aid by figuring out techniques to recognize and communicate such emotions.
It can help you sort out your feelings with someone you feel safe and trust. Many tools also exist to assist you control your cancer-related stress and anxiety. Among the methods to help yourself process and accept your emotions are journaling, meditating, or taking lengthy walks.
Share what you’re feeling
Try to discuss your cancer diagnosis with your loved ones and other trustworthy people. As needed, think about asking friends and experts for help. Over your treatment and recovery period, your friends and family may support and empower you.
Some friends and relatives may not know the best ways to help you. For instance, they can try to offer you useless guidance, probe awkward questions, or bring up your diagnosis at unsuitable moments. In such situations, be open with your loved ones about your feelings. They might not understand how the words they use are impacting you.
Seek out what you love
Many patients find that doing something quite basic, that they are genuinely able to accomplish, helps them get through their cancer treatment. This could be reading a poem daily, watching your preferred shows, or visiting your pet for a daily hug (from home).
The secret is choosing something that comforts you and makes you happy but is controllable during different treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, or following surgery. Be adaptable and take days off when side effects are too strong.
Find the help you need
Whether it’s a close friend, a religious figure, or a favorite pastime that helps you recharge, whatever brought you comfort before your cancer diagnosis will probably help soothe your worries. Now, rely on these comforts, but be willing to explore other coping mechanisms.
