A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing moment that brings a lot of thoughts, challenges and emotions. The risk for death may linger in your mind and can make you feel hopeless.
To ease the burden and pain you are experiencing, you have to plan beforehand and make the best out of your life. Some people live for many years after a cancer diagnosis, so don’t lose hope and look forward to the future. Here are some tips that can help you cope.
1. Know more about your cancer diagnosis
Get some valuable information about your cancer diagnosis from your doctor or even from online resources. In that way, you can plan ahead for possible complications.
Before your next appointment with your doctor, jot down all your questions.
Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:
- Can my cancer be treated?
- Has it already spread?
- How likely will my kids and family members get my disease?
- How will the treatment benefit me?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the positive and negative effects of the treatment?
- What is the chance that my cancer can be cured?
- What kind of cancer do I have?
- What other tests or procedures do I need?
- What would I be able to do to prevent my cancer from recurring?
- What would I be able to expect during treatment?
- When should I call my doctor?
- Where did the cancer start?
It is also important to bring one person with you who will help you remember what your doctor will tell you.
Also, let your doctor know your preferences about treatment.
2. Communicate
Be honest with your feelings, and express what you feel to other people. If you are expressing what you really feel, you can gain enough strength to fight against your disease, because you will feel that you are not alone.
3. Expect some physical changes
If you want to recover quickly, you must prepare yourself for some changes in your body. Ask your doctor about these changes. If certain drugs will cause hair loss, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives. Makeup, wigs and hairpieces may help you regain self-confidence.
Seek help from cancer support groups, so that you can talk to others about how to survive cancer.
Consider the length of treatment sessions, and ask whether you need to go to the hospital or not. Treatment procedures can affect your daily life activities.
4. Be healthy
You need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, like engaging in physical activities, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep and rest.
Studies show that enjoyable physical activities can make people live longer and can help them cope better with their illnesses.
5. Let friends and family help you
Being diagnosed with cancer is not easy, both emotionally and physically. Seek emotional support from friends and family. They can help you cope with this difficult time in your life.
