Hearing the word “cancer” can be devastating and can leave you with so many mixed emotions – from sadness and anger to disbelief and confusion. However, you’re not alone.
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Read on for more on how to cope with a cancer diagnosis…
Get the facts
The word “cancer” can mean so many different things, so it’s vital that you get the full picture. Write a list of the questions you want answering, from “What treatment options do I have?” to “What kind of cancer do I have?”. By writing things down, you can be sure that you cover all the things you want to know, and don’t leave your appointment feeling like you’ve forgotten something. Another way to help with this is to always have a family member or friend with you at your appointment so that they can absorb the information that you might miss.
Talk about it
The people around you might get upset when you talk about your cancer, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t feel like you are able to, if it’s something you want to do. It can sometimes be challenging for those around you to relate or know what to say, so consider looking at support groups of other people with cancer, whether that is an online forum or in-person meetings.
Be kind to yourself
It’s important to remember that you are going through something tough, so cut yourself some slack. Accept that your feelings are valid, and there is no right or wrong way to deal with a diagnosis like this, and the important thing is that you put yourself first. This means allowing yourself to say “no” to things that might drain you and not feeling that you have to put on a brave face for anyone else’s benefit. Let yourself feel your emotions and do what you need to come to terms with your diagnosis.
Plan ahead
During treatment, you may find yourself too weak to do things you usually do, like shopping and cooking. When you do have the energy, you could do something to help the future you, such as buying birthday presents for the next few months and batch cooking meals for those low-energy days.
Ask for help
Only you know what you need, and it will be appreciated by your family and friends if you are able to tell them exactly what they can do to support you. For example, you might need someone to offer to help with childcare or to help with the cleaning when you don’t feel able. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.
A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, but with the right help and support, you can get through this.
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