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You may have been recently diagnosed with cancer or in between your treatment. It also may be the case that someone in the family or friends circle has been diagnosed with the disease. Diagnosing cancer can be life-altering for the patient and the surrounding individuals. Coping with cancer diagnosis can be challenging and needs support.
If you have been diagnosed with the condition, it is essential to learn about it and make plans. Having appropriate resources and a support system will make stressful times more manageable. One must understand it is alright to feel nervous or anxious after knowing about the condition.
But learning how to deal with cancer is crucial to simplify the journey. Once the news has been broken, it is time to get into preparation mode. Here are a few coping tips to help endure cancer treatment while being sane.
Coping Tips For Cancer Patients
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The first step is to pay attention to your wants and needs. A person may need help driving to and from the cancer treatment centers. They may need assistance with their meals or children's activities if they are parents. So, it is vital to identify your needs and then convey them to friends and family. One can distribute work among the volunteers and make things organized. It can make a significant difference in your cancer journey.
Get The Facts Clear
An essential step in dealing with cancer diagnosis is getting the facts clear. Gather all the essential information to assess your condition better. Ask questions like what kind of cancer you have. Find out the location and how much it has spread. Can it be cured, and if yes, what are the recovery chances? How will the treatment help, and what should I expect from it? What are the things I should do to prevent recurrence?
It is a personal decision, and you can decide the amount of information you require. While some patients want to know everything, some like to learn the basics. You can communicate the same to your healthcare team, and they can act accordingly.
Avoid the Stress of Keeping it a Secret.
For many people, cancer is a family affair. Rather than worrying too much, it is intelligent to share age-appropriate information with them. Let them know you are doing your best and things will get better. Rather than keeping it a secret to protect loved ones, sharing it with them and fighting it together is better. After breaking the news, ask about their fears and try to address them using the available resources.
Keep an Open Communication
If you genuinely want to learn how to cope with cancer diagnosis, the secret is open communication. The patient must maintain open and two-way communication with the healthcare provider, family, and loved ones. Do not put yourself too strongly, and keep it all inside. You can help each other by providing more strength when you share real emotions.
Minimize Any Disruption While Sleeping
Waking up in the middle of the night because of a dry throat can disrupt sleep. On top of that, getting up for a glass of water can be further distressing. One must find solutions to problems that are disrupting their sleep. Find methods that can help minimize the disruption and help you with sound sleep.
Anticipate Possible Changes in the Body
One important method of dealing with cancer is being realistic. If you prepare yourself beforehand, it will be easier for you to handle it later. You can ask your oncologist about the possible changes like loss of hair, etc. Members of cancer support programs can be highly beneficial in providing quality information. Remember to ask how the treatment will affect your daily activities. You must change a few habits or adopt a healthier lifestyle, so be prepared.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
If you want to improve your energy level, adopt a healthy lifestyle. Include a healthy diet and take adequate rest to manage your stress. Exercise has proved to be beneficial in dealing with cancer. It can help cope with cancer better and live longer. Having five servings of fruits and vegetables every day is recommended by several experts.
Be Kind to Yourself
Cancer is a severe condition, and being kind to yourself is the very little you can do yourself. It is entirely alright to drop everything and rest if you need to. Listen to your body; if it tells you to rest, you must. Find something that makes you smile and participate in enjoyable activities. Days can be challenging, and one must be thoughtful, even when choosing food to eat. Go outside and breathe some fresh air to make yourself feel light.
Consider Your Finances
An unexpected financial burden can arise due to a cancer diagnosis. You may also have to get away from work temporarily. Consider all the additional costs that may add up during the treatment course. You can also contact a financial counselor who can help you manage your finances better. Some healthcare facilities also provide financial resources that can benefit the patient. So, talk to your team about the available options.
Talk to Cancer Survivors
Sometimes an average person may not understand the feelings of a person diagnosed with cancer. In such a scenario, reaching out to another cancer patient or survivor is essential. People in the same situation will understand better and provide helpful information. They will help you with their experience and instill the courage to overcome this life-threatening disease.
Bottom Line
Like the cancer type is distinct for each patient, so is the coping mechanism. You can learn from the experience of others and service your individualized strategy. Include relaxation techniques, and remember to share how you feel with your doctor, family, and friends.
A part of your coping mechanism can also include reading cancer coping materials. Read about clinical trials, news, stories, etc., and take the positives. While dealing with cancer can be challenging, a few adjustments and approaches can help you cope.
