Tips to Cope With Cancer Diagnosis
Learning that you have cancer can be incredibly difficult. It is very natural to feel anxious or overwhelmed after your cancer diagnosis. So, if you are wondering how to cope with it during the days ahead, then here are some helpful suggestions that will come in handy.
Educate yourself about the basic facts
According to the Best Cancer Specialist Doctor In Mumbai, once you have been diagnosed with cancer, you must start gathering useful information about your condition that will help you make an informed decision about your care.
Write down questions such as what kind of cancer you have, where is the cancer, how can it be treated, what other tests are required, what to expect during treatment, when to call the doctor etc.
At least for the first few appointments, it is advisable to bring a trusted friend or a family member to help you retain all the information provided by the doctor.
Remember, you can always choose how much you want to know about your cancer. Some people prefer to be involved in the decision making process and therefore want all the facts and details. However, there are also others who only want to know the basics and leave the decision to their doctors. You can choose the approach that works best for you and let your healthcare team take it from there.
Maintain two-way communication
For the success of your treatment, it is essential to maintain two-way communication with your loved ones and the doctors. Don’t allow yourself to be isolated or put up a strong front. Don’t hesitate to express your emotions honestly to stay mentally strong and gain your strength from it.
Be prepared for the physical changes
Once you have been diagnosed with the cancer and before you begin your treatment, the time in between is the best time to plan for changes. It is crucial to prepare yourself now so that you are able to cope with it later.
Discuss openly with your doctor about the changes you should anticipate. For instance, cancer medication will cause hair loss. You can either embrace the upcoming change or talk to image experts for wig or hairpieces that will help you feel more comfortable and attractive.
You can also find help in cancer support groups who can provide you with tips to cope with these changes.
At the same time, you should also understand how the treatment will affect your daily activities. Ask your doctor about the frequency of medical appointments and time you need to spend at the hospital. This will help you plan your daily life and maintain some normalcy in your routine.
Follow a healthy lifestyle
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your energy levels. You should also choose a healthy diet that consists of nutritious foods. Additionally, you should get adequate rest to help manage stress and fatigue from the cancer treatment.
Staying active and participating in the activities you enjoy will also help you stay positive through this tough time. According to studies, people who maintain a routine of physical activity not only cope better but also live longer.
Take help from friends and family
Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family members to run errands on your behalf, help you with transportation, prepare meals, or even assist you with household chores. Don’t hesitate to accept their help. This will not only help you manage things better, but also give the caregiver a sense of contribution at a difficult time.
A cancer diagnosis does not only affect the one inflicted with it but also the entire family, especially the primary caregivers. By accepting help, you can do a huge favour to your caregiver by preventing their burnout.
Assess your priorities
Things change dramatically following the cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial to determine what is really important in your life. Find time to do the things you like and are most important to you. Be open about your thoughts and feelings with people you care about. Since cancer can have a huge impact on all your relationships, communication will really help in reducing the anxiety and the fear it can cause.
Be open to change
While it is important to maintain a normal lifestyle, it is also important to accept changes wherever necessary. Take one day at a time. Getting too ahead of yourself during these stressful times can push down a rabbit hole of despair. When the future is uncertain, planning and organizing will help you stay in control of your life.
Apart from following these basic tips, don’t forget to consider how your finances will be affected after the cancer diagnosis. Staying on top of these things will help you manage stress.