Coping with Cancer

This month is breast cancer awareness month. Although I did not have breast cancer, I am a cancer survivor. 

Cancer is defined as a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in part of the body. Or a malignant growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells. 

Cancer has affected many of our families whether its breast, lung, colon or kidney cancer. We all know someone who has been affected in some sort of way by cancer. When cancer is caught in the early stages, there are many ways to remove cancer through chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.  That is why it is so important to get regular doctor check-ups to keep up on your health. 

Coping with cancer can be hard on you and your family and friends. Your life changes as well as everyone's life around you. This can be a difficult time for everyone. I remember when I was diagnosed with colon cancer, all I could think of was death. We associate the word cancer with death. We never think about surviving. It is a scary feeling and a lot of support is needed. Being diagnosed with cancer took a toll on me and my family. A lot of things in our lives changed. I was unable to work, I had low energy and was unable to do all the things I was use to and my family and friends had to pitch in more.  Life took on a different direction for me. 

Coping with cancer as a patient

1.  Learn your cancer.  Talk to your doctors, research your cancer and learn the facts. Learn the type of cancer, what stage you are in, possible treatments, surgeries and the side effects. 

2. Ask questions. Ask questions and keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctor, as well as you and your family.  Do not keep anything away from your doctor. Let your doctor know everything that's bothering you and all your symptoms.

3.  Physical changes. Anticipate possible physical changes, such as weight loss, weight gain, loss of hair and etc.   Prepare yourself and your family for these changes. 

4.  Healthy lifestyle. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve your energy and immune system.  It is important to stay healthy during this time and beyond. 

5. Help.  Let your friends and family help you out. You are not going to be able to do it all because your energy level may be very low. Ask a family member to cook dinner one night or ask a friend to take you to your doctor appointments. 

6.  Support groups. Talk to other people who are going through the same thing you are. Most doctor offices offer support groups. It may help to talk to others. 

Develop your own coping strategies. Relax, take time out for yourself, pray and take it one day at a time. 

Supporting a loved one with cancer

1. Be there.  Being there for a loved one who is battling cancer is important. When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, there is a lot of emotion associated with it. Your loved one will need your shoulder to cry on. 

2. Listen. Listen to your loved ones concerns, thoughts, feelings and worries. Be positive and sensitive towards their situation. Let them know that you are there for them. 

3.  Be helpful.  Whether it is cooking dinner, taking them to their doctor appointments or cleaning their home, these are all helpful. Cancer patients normally have low energy and it is hard to do normal everyday things. Having helping hand is very helpful.

4.  Encourage. Encourage your loved ones with positivity. Encourage them to join a support group to connect with others that understand what they are going through. You can help your loved ones as much as possible but if you do not understand what they are going through it may be hard. 

5.  Space. Know when to give your loved one space. Always let them know that you are there for them and available, but do not smother them. Cancer and chemotherapy can change a persons mood and attitude. Sometimes your loved ones just need their space. 

6.  Expect to be exhausted. Supporting a loved one with cancer can be exhausting. There will be emotional highs and lows. So be prepared!