Coping with Cancer | Active Treatment

This one's for the  patients who have been diagnosed with an early stage of Cancer, or a type of Cancer that gives them very good odds of survival. These patients are under Active Treatment with the goal of complete Cure.

What are the kinds of stresses that these patients deal with?

• The kind of stress these patients deal with is different from terminally ill patients or the ones in Palliation.
• There is a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. This is exaggerated by the initial symptoms like nausea, vomiting, pain, etc, and because of the anticipated symptoms like hair-loss, changing body image, etc.
• The initial visits to the clinic or the hospital and having to look at the other patients who look not so healthy, makes them think that this where they're headed . Whereas, their outcome could be entirely different.
• The early phase of dealing with the diagnosis and the beginning of treatments is quite overwhelming, and depressing. Like the first shot of Radiation, or Chemotherapy, or being under the knife for the first time can be understandably difficult. Accepting the fact that this has all begun, is necessary, to be able to deal with it.

Cancer  Patient

How to deal with Cancer ?

''You have Cancer'' if this is what your Doctor told you recently, then you're in the right place.
Or has someone you love been diagnosed with cancer? Still read on.
These are the quick 10 steps that can be followed, to make sure you're on the right track.



The 10 step guide to dealing with the diagnosis of Cancer :

1. HOW YOU FEEL IS NORMAL
It's perfectly natural if after hearing the diagnosis you're in denial about the situation. Give yourself some time to wrap your head around it all. It's normal to experience anger, disbelief, and feeling sad, frustrated, and like you're losing control.
But at the end of the day, you have to make sure you realize that you can deal with this.

2. FACTS
Get the facts straight. Ask your Doctor about an honest opinion in your case. Read, browse, and use all the possible sources of information available to you, and keep a record of all that you learn. Read about all the possible treatments, all available options, and their outcomes. But keep in mind that every person is different. So, do not assume what your fate is going to be like. Get 2nd opinions. Get 3rd opinions. Learn all about your condition.
This will not only give you all the knowledge you need, but also restore your sense of control over your life.