Cancer Diagnosis: 11 Tips for Coping

Learning that you have cancer can be difficult. Some people said they felt anxious, scared or overwhelmed when they were first diagnosed. If you’re not sure how to cope, here are 11 ideas to help you cope with a cancer diagnosis.

Learn the facts about your cancer diagnosis

Get as much basic, useful information as you can. This will help you make decisions about your care.

Write down your questions and concerns. Take them with you when you visit your healthcare provider.

You may ask:

• What cancer do I have?Where is the cancer?

  Did it spread?

  Can my cancer be treated?

  What are the chances of my cancer being cured?

  What other tests or procedures do I need?

  What is my treatment plan?

  How will the treatment benefit me?

  What can I expect during treatment?

  What are the side effects of the treatment?

  When should I call my healthcare provider?

  What can I do to prevent my cancer from coming back?

• How likely is my child or other family member to get cancer?

  What happens if I don’t get treatment?

  Consider bringing family or friends to your ex Several appointments. They help you remember what you heard.

  Think about how much you want to know about your cancer. Some people want all the facts and details. This helps them be part of the decision-making process. Others want to learn the basics and leave the details and decisions to their healthcare provider. Think about which is best for you. Let your healthcare team know what you want.

  Keep communication open

  with your loved ones, medical Candid two-way communication between health care providers and others​​. If people try to protect you from bad news by not talking about it, you may feel lonely. Or, if you try to look strong without sharing your feelings, you may feel lonely or lack support. If you and others show your true emotions, you can support each other.

  Predict possible body changes

  Plan to change the body The best time is after cancer diagnosis and before starting treatment. Get ready now to be able to handle everything later.

  Ask your healthcare provider what might change. Medications can make you lose your hair. Expert advice on clothing, makeup, wigs and hairpieces may help you feel more comfortable and attractive. Insurance often helps pay for wigs and other equipment to help you fit in.

  Consider joining a cancer support group. Members can provide helpful tips for them and others.

  Also consider how the treatment will affect your daily life. Ask your provider if you can continue with your day job. You may need to spend time in the hospital or make multiple medical appointments. If your treatment makes it difficult for you to perform your daily duties, make arrangements for this.

  Plan your finances ahead of time. Figure out who does the day-to-day chores. If you have pets, have someone take care of them.

  Maintain a healthy lifestyle

  Healthy Lifestyle can boost your energy levels. Choose a healthy diet. Get enough rest. These tips will help you manage the stress and fatigue of cancer and its treatment.

  If possible, maintain a consistent routine. Make time each day to exercise, get enough sleep, and eat.

  Exercise and participating in activities you enjoy may also help. People who exercised during treatment were not only better able to cope with side effects, but also lived longer.

  Let friends and family help you

  Your friends Run errands with your family, take you to appointments, prepare meals and help you with household chores. This allows those who care about you to help in difficult times.

  Also urge your family to get help if needed. A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. It can also increase stress, especially for those who take care of you. Accepting meals or housework help from a neighbor or friend can help your loved one feel exhausted.

  • Review your goals and priorities

  Figure out what’s really important in your life. Make time for the activities that are most important and meaningful to you. Check your calendar and cancel events that don’t meet your goals.

  Try to open up with your loved ones. Share your thoughts and feelings with them. Cancer affects all of your relationships. Communication can help reduce anxiety and fear that cancer can cause.

  Try to keep your lifestyle

  Keep your lifestyle, but willing to change it. Take one day at a time. It’s easy to forget to do this during times of stress. When the future is uncertain, organization and planning can suddenly seem like too much work.

  Consider how your diagnosis will affect your finances

  Many unexpected financial problems can occur following a cancer diagnosis. Your treatment may require time away from work or at home. Consider medicines, medical equipment, travel expenses for medical treatment, and hospital parking.

  Many clinics and hospitals have lists of resources that can help you financially help your cancer treatment during and after. Discuss your options with your healthcare team.

  Questions to ask include:

  • • Do I need to take time off? What happens to my benefits if I do this?

  Do my friends and family need to take it? Accompany me after get off work? Will my insurance pay for these treatments?

  Will my insurance pay for drugs?

  How much do I need to pay?

  If insurance doesn’t pay for my treatment, is there anyone who can help plan?

  Am I eligible for disability benefits? How does my diagnosis affect my life insurance?

  Who should I call to discuss what my insurance will cover?

  Talking to other cancer patients

  It may be difficult for someone who has not had cancer to understand how you feel. It may be helpful to talk to someone who is in your situation. Other cancer survivors can share their experiences. They can tell you what to expect during treatment.

  Talk to a friend or family member who has cancer. Or connect with other cancer survivors through support groups. Ask your healthcare provider about support groups in your area. You can contact your local American Cancer Society chapter. Online message boards also bring cancer survivors together. Start with the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network.

  Contact a friend or neighbor with a serious medical condition. Ask them how they handle these complex issues.

  Fighting stigma

  Some old stigma about cancer still exists. Your friends may wonder if your cancer is contagious. Colleagues may suspect that you are healthy enough for the job. Some people may avoid you out of fear of saying the wrong thing. Many people will have questions and concerns.

  Decide how you will deal with others. Generally, other people will follow your actions. Remind friends that cancer shouldn’t make them afraid to be around you.

  Develop your own approach to cancer

  As every Individuals have different approaches to cancer treatment and different approaches to coping with cancer. Ideas to try:

  Practice relaxation methods.

  Share your feelings honestly with family, friends, spiritual counselor or counselor. Keep a journal to help organize your thoughts. When faced with a difficult decision, list The pros and cons of each option.

  Find sources of spiritual support.

  Make time to be alone.

• Participate in as many work and leisure activities as possible.

• Be ready to say no. Now is the time to focus on you.

  What helps you get through the tough times before a cancer diagnosis Periods can now help ease your worries. This might include close friends, religious leaders, or favorite activities. Now turn to these comforts. Also willing to try new ways to treat your cancer.

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  • September 2022 1 March 13