Facing Emotional Challenges

Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most difficult things you'll ever have to deal with.Cancer effects the human spirit as much as it affects the body and challenges all of your beliefs,values,and goals in life. You are going up and down and emotional roller coaster,experiencing anger,sadness,guilt and helplessness and this is normal.Remember,everyone reacts differently.

Remember you are a person and not just a cancer patient,dealing with your emotions is as important as treating the disease. Some of the thing you may go through include:

• Depression

• Difficulty coping

• Anger

• Difficulty concentrating

• A dread of going for treatment

• A loss of sexual feeling and ability

• Anxiety and tension

• Financial difficulties

• An interruption of your home life,worklife and social life

All of these feelings are normal,and most people with cancer to through them at one point or another.Some good ways to help you cope and get through this experience are:

1. Stay involved with your regular activities,continue to do the things your are comfortable with and enjoy as much as you can.

2. Focus on what you can do,not those things that are out of your control

3. Find new ways to handle your limitations

4. Reach out and help others- it will give you a new perspective.

5. Turn to your family,friends and health care team when you are feeling down; they can help support you and get you through these times.

6. Most importantly,KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR!!

Points to Remember:

1. The waiting times can be very long,bring a book or company to help you pass the time.

2. Do not take your anti-nausea drugs until you talk to your primary nurse.

3. Eat a light breakfast or lunch before going for your treatments.If your treatment is expected to last longer than 3 hours,bring a snack from home.

4. Any side effects you experience can be managed.

5. If you have any questions,call your primary nurse.

6. Be sure you know how to reach a physician after hours in the event of an emergency.

7. Keep a balanced lifestyle: work,play,diet,rest,social and family life.

8. Maintain contact with your family physician.

In order to understand what our loved ones are dealing with,we must inform ourselves.
The info on the next few pages will help not only those with cancer understand how to cope...
but also those family members who find themselves wanting more info.