Learning that you or your loved one has cancer is a difficult experience. After your cancer diagnosis, you may feel anxious, afraid, or overwhelmed and wonder how you can cope during the days ahead. Here are suggestions for coping with a cancer diagnosis. I culled this article from the Mayo Clinic while reading it and thought I’d share it with anyone who might be undergoing cancer treatment.  

1. Ensure you get the facts about the specific cancer diagnosis.

Try to obtain as much basic, useful information about your cancer diagnosis as you need to make decisions about your care. Write down your questions and concerns beforehand and bring them with you. Consider asking:

• What kind of cancer do I have?
• Where is the cancer?
• Has it spread?
• Can my cancer be treated?
• What is the chance that my cancer can be cured?
• What other tests or procedures do I need?
• What are my treatment options?
• How will the treatment benefit me?
• What can I expect during treatment?
• What are the side effects of the treatment?
• When should I call the doctor?
• What can I do to prevent my cancer from recurring?
• How likely are my children or other family members to get cancer?

Consider bringing a family member or friend to your first few doctor appointments to help you remember what you hear. Some people want all the facts and details so that they can be very involved in the decision-making process. Others prefer to learn the basics and leave details and decisions to their doctors. Think about which approach works best for you. Let your healthcare team know what you’d prefer.  

2. Keep the lines of communication open

Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors, and others after your cancer diagnosis. You may feel particularly isolated if people try to protect you from bad news or if you try to put up a strong front. If you and others express emotions honestly, you can all gain strength from each other.

3. Anticipate possible physical changes

Now — after your cancer diagnosis and before you begin treatment — is the best time to plan for changes. Prepare yourself now so that you’ll be better able to cope later. Ask your doctor what changes you should anticipate. If drugs cause hair loss, advice from image experts about clothing, makeup, wigs, and hairpieces may help you feel more comfortable and attractive. Insurance often helps pay for wigs, prostheses, and other adaptive devices. Members of cancer support groups may be particularly helpful in this area and can provide tips that have helped them and others. Also, consider how treatment will impact your daily activities. Ask your doctor whether you can expect to continue your normal routine. You may need to stay in the hospital or have frequent medical appointments. If your treatment will require a leave of absence from your normal duties, plan for this.  

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

This can improve your energy level. Choose a healthy diet consisting of various foods and get adequate rest to help you manage the stress and fatigue of cancer and its treatment. Exercise and participating in enjoyable activities also help. Recent data suggest that people who maintain some physical exercise during treatment cope better and may live longer.  

5. Let friends and family help you

I know you want to be independent, this is good but ensure that you accept help from those you are comfortable with. The help will come in handy and relieve you from tasks that deprive you of energy and rest. Often friends and family can run errands, provide transportation, prepare meals, and help you with household chores. Allowing them to help you gives them an opportunity to offer their assistance. A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family and adds stress, especially to the primary caregivers. Accepting help with meals or chores from neighbors or friends can go a long way in preventing caregiver burnout.

6. Review your goals and priorities

Determine what’s important in your life. Find time for the activities that are most important to you and give you the most meaning. If needed, try to find a new openness with loved ones. Share your thoughts and feelings with them. Cancer affects all of your relationships. Communication can help reduce the anxiety and fear that cancer can cause.  

7. Try to maintain your normal lifestyle

Maintain your normal lifestyle,  but be open to modifying it as necessary. Take one day at a time. It’s easy to overlook this simple strategy during stressful times. When the future is uncertain, organizing and planning may suddenly seem overwhelming.  

8. Consider how your diagnosis will impact your finances

Many unexpected financial burdens can arise because of a cancer diagnosis. Your treatment may require time away from work or an extended time away from home. Consider the additional costs of medications, medical devices, treatment travel, and hospital parking fees.  Most clinics and hospitals keep lists of resources to help you financially during and after your cancer treatment. Talk with your healthcare team about your options. Questions to ask include:

• Will I have to take time away from work?
• Will my friends and family need to take time away from work to be with me?
• Will my insurance pay for these treatments?
• Will my insurance cover the cost of medications?
• How much will my out-of-pocket costs be?
• If insurance won’t pay for my treatment, are there assistance programs that can help?
• Do I qualify for disability benefits?
• How does my diagnosis affect my life insurance?

 9. Talk to other people with cancer

Sometimes it will feel as if people who haven’t experienced a cancer diagnosis can’t fully understand how you’re feeling. It may help to talk to people who have been in your situation. Other cancer survivors can share their experiences and give insight into what you can expect during treatment. You may have a friend or family member who has had cancer. Or you can connect with other cancer survivors through support groups. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. Online message boards also bring cancer survivors together.  

10. Fight stigmas

Some old stigmas associated with cancer still exist. Your friends may wonder if your cancer is contagious. Co-workers may doubt you’re healthy enough to do your job, and some may withdraw for fear of saying the wrong thing. Many people will have questions and concerns. Determine how you’ll deal with others’ behaviors toward you. Talk to those around you and assure they they should not be afraid to talk or engage with you. 

11. Develop your coping strategy

As each person’s cancer treatment is individualized, so is the coping strategy. Ideas to try:

• Practice relaxation techniques.
• Share your feelings honestly with family, friends, a spiritual adviser, or a counselor.
• Keep a journal to help organize your thoughts.
• When faced with a difficult decision, list the pros and cons of each choice.
• Find a source of spiritual support.
• Set aside time to be alone.
• Remain involved with work and leisure activities as much as you can.

What comforted you through rough times before your cancer diagnosis will likely help ease your worries now.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging, but you can navigate this difficult journey with support, knowledge, and coping strategies. Turn to these comforts now, but also be open to trying new coping strategies.

xoxo

O.E.M.A