Coping With the Diagnosis of Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can seem overwhelming at first. However, it's important to know that the outlook for most cancers continues to improve, in many cases quite dramatically. In much the same way that other illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis are now treated as chronic illnesses, many cancers are today also being treated as chronic illnesses, with high quality of life and years of meaningful longevity.

Coping with the Diagnosis

Here are some practical things that you can do to help yourself and your loved ones during this time:

• Learn as much as possible about your disease. At times, lack of information or understanding is your worst enemy. Do not hesitate to ask questions about your disease. You may wish to keep a notebook with all of the medical records and information about your diagnosis, as well as a running list of questions you want to ask at your next doctor's visit. The Personal Health Care Record at this website is a secure place where you can store all of your health information in one convenient place and that you can easily access from anywhere.
  
• Take care of your family relationships. Although your primary focus is on your cancer, it is important to also spend time as you normally would with your family, friends, and spouse. Remember, it is good to have fun together. Being together can also help relieve stress and strengthen family relationships. Connection with others is a critical part of the healing process.
  
• Keep a journal of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions about your disease and its impact on your life. As time goes on, you may be able to look back and see that things are improving significantly.
  
• Learn about your insurance benefits so that you understand what expenses will be routinely covered.
  
• Continue doing your usual, daily activities. You will still have grocery shopping, laundry, and sorting the mail to do on a daily or weekly basis. Pursuing these "regular" activities, if you are able, will likely help you cope and feel more in control.
  
• Explore the Caring4Cancer online communities at this website. Here you can share your experience with other individuals who also have cancer. You may also want to visit the Advocacy and Support Groups section in "Wellbeing" to find support groups and organizations in your area, as well as national support groups and their resources.
  
• Find out about supportive services available at your local hospital, such as social workers, chaplains, support groups, classes, and/or meetings with other families.
  
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Each person's need for support is unique. Friends and family members will often ask, "Is there anything I can do to help?" Consider saying "yes" to this question and ask them to pick up your groceries, help with the laundry or housecleaning, pick up your children from their extracurricular activities, or make dinner. "Assigning" a friend or family member something to do to help you will also help them feel like they are contributing.
  
• Avoid emotionally draining or stressful situations. Sometimes, well-meaning friends and family members may make unhelpful or insensitive comments during your illness. They truly want to help or be supportive, but sometimes don't know what to say or how to be helpful. It is important to remember that, most of the time, people will not know what your needs are unless you tell them. Quite often, it is best to be forthright and tell someone "I would just like you to sit quietly with me and keep me company" or "I need to spend some time alone right now" or "I trust my doctor and have researched the treatment choices I'm making, so please don't confuse me with stories about miracle cures." Do not be afraid to express your needs; most people will greatly appreciate knowing how to better support you during this time.
  
• Share what you have learned with others. You will gain important knowledge and skills as you go through your treatment and healing. You can help other people with cancer and their families by sharing your experiences either online or in a support group or other setting.
  
• Explore The Seven Levels of Healing® program on this website. It will guide you and your loved ones through all aspects of the cancer journey, and provide helpful insights and information to transform your experience along the way.