A cancer diagnosis for yourself or a loved one will immediately invoke several powerful emotions and an array of questions and concerns. Feelings of fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness are natural responses to receiving the news of a diagnosis. There are groups for many different kinds of cancers including but not limited to breast cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer. Even when diagnosed with a terminal type of cancer, like mesothelioma in which the median life expectancy is 4 to 18 months. you and your love ones will still benefit from maintaining a positive outlook. Thinking negatively will only reduce the mental and emotional energy that is necessary for surviving, healing, and coping with this sickness.
The first and most important thing to consider is that you are not alone. There are millions of other people who are being treated for cancer, are in remission, or are survivors. Many people who have shared a similar experience are ready and waiting to help you through this difficult time. Whether you are a patient undergoing treatment, or a loved one looking for the best way to provide support, talking to others will be extremely helpful and therapeutic. Numerous websites and organizations are available to provide support and therapy. The American Cancer Society has a section on their website devoted to finding support and treatment with articles ranging from paying for treatment, to coping with negative emotions. The importance of communication is stressed in building a support network and making sure that all the emotional needs of the patient are met.
If you are not ready to talk yet, writing about your situation can be quite cathartic. It will also give you a way to organize your thoughts and feelings so you are able to communicate these to others when you are ready. Try a free flow form of writing in which you write down anything that comes to mind. It is important to identify what you are feeling so that you can cope with that feeling, however difficult it might be. Try to be as specific as possible. If you are scared, try to identify exactly what you are afraid of. Are you afraid of pain? Are you afraid of the costs of treatment? In order to absolve your fears and negative emotions, you must identify the source of negativity and face it directly. The most important thing to remember is that when you are ready: Help Is Always There!
For more information on support, try these sites:
www.cancercenter.org
By: David Haas
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