You have no idea where to begin. Who do I call first? How am I going to tell my family? Is this treatable? There is so much to consider when you hear a doctor say “You have cancer.” It can be very overwhelming and scary at the same time. However, you can get through this. With the proper support between your family, friends and a great staff of physicians, you can beat this. In addition, here are some other suggestions for coping with a cancer diagnosis:
• Get the facts. Ask questions.
You will want to make sure you get all the necessary information and ask several questions. What kind of cancer do I have? Where is the cancer and has it spread? Can it be treated or cured? What are the treatment options? What are the side effects of treatment? Can my cancer be passed down to my children?
• Keep the lines of communication open.
After you are diagnosed, be sure to keep everyone close to you in the loop of your diagnosis. Expressing your emotions together in an honest manner is a great way to gain strength from each other.
• Prepare yourself for possible physical changes.
Ask your doctor what changes you should expect. This could include hair loss, weight loss, amputation, etc. Cancer support groups may be particularly helpful in this area and can provide tips that have helped them and others.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and maintain a normal lifestyle.
By eating a healthy diet and remaining active outdoors or exercising you may cope better during treatment and may even live longer. You also don’t want to make any drastic changes unless you have to. Maintain your normal lifestyle, but modify it as necessary.
• Allow your family and friends to help.
It’s easy to become isolated after being diagnosed with cancer. However, you have to learn to accept help from your family and friends. They can run errands for you, prepare meals, provide transportation, etc.
• Review your goals and priorities.
What means the most to you? Participate in activities that you truly love and give you the most meaning. Try to find a new level of love for those close to you and communicate with them. Communication can ease the anxiety that comes along with cancer.
• Talk to others with cancer
Even though family and friends will do their best to help you and understand what you are going through, they may not be able to like another cancer survivor can. Try to connect with another survivor or join a support group. You can ask your doctor about groups in your area or contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
• Fight stigmas.
There are still old wives’ tales or stigmas with cancer. Some people may still think it’s contagious or some may be fearful in saying the wrong thing to you. Determine how you will deal with others’ behavior. Remind them that even though it is frightening, they should not be afraid to be around you.
• Look into insurance options.
Look into your employer’s insurance plan. Find out whether your state provides assistance for those people who are hard to insure. The Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act are available to you during this time.
• Create your own coping strategy.
You can develop your own way to cope with a cancer diagnosis such as practicing relaxation techniques, sharing your feelings with friends and family members, keeping a journal with your thoughts, finding a source of spirituality, time for only yourself, and remaining active in work and leisure activities.
Even though a cancer diagnosis can be very frightening, you should understand there are several ways to cope and none of them are wrong. You have a support system in people who care about your well-being and together, you all can get through this.
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Welcome to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. This premier acute care hospital has grown rapidly since first opening in 1997 and future expansion plans are already underway. Our patients and their visitors can enjoy the benefits of a larger Emergency Room, a Heart and Rehab Center, more operating suites; the most advanced imaging technologies, and much more. Doctors Hospital at Renaissance is a full service medical and surgical facility providing quality health care to the residents of the Rio Grande Valley. We are dedicated to continually expanding our programs and services to include the latest medical procedures, treatments, and technologies to help ensure we meet the health care needs of the communities we serve today and in the future.
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