A cancer diagnosis is a moment that turns everything around. It breaks routines, inflicts intense emotion, and introduces a range of questions. The majority get confused and do not know what to do upon devastation. While every case is unique, there are things you can do that will leave you feeling competent to cope and regain some semblance of control.
Resilience in terms of your emotions and being able to make rational decisions depend upon learning how to cope with this reality. Here are five tips to help you after learning about a cancer diagnosis:
- Give Yourself Time to Process
Typically, you are overwhelmed in the initial days after a cancer diagnosis. You may have various feelings every day or even within an hour. Just be patient with yourself and wait for these emotions to flow naturally. This is part of the healing process.
Deal with your feelings by speaking to someone you trust, a family member, a friend, a mental health counselor, or a spiritual director. Write down what comes to mind in a journal, or take a moment and sit quietly and reflect on your feelings.
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- Be Aware of Your Rights
Money and legal problems that come as a result of cancer diagnosis, in most cases, are unexpected. Being well-versed with rights is very important, mainly when your disease can be caused by exposure to your workplace or environment. Those who have lung cancer as a result of asbestos exposure, for instance, can usually file for a lung cancer lawsuit if they are eligible.
Request consultation with a social worker, patient advocate, or attorney to learn everything you can about any benefits you can qualify for. Doing these beforehand will reduce some of the distress of treatment and recovery, letting you concentrate on your health alone.
- Educate Yourself About Your Diagnosis
Knowing more about your type of cancer will make you feel more in control. Get references from your doctor or good websites to get information on treatment, side effects, and what to expect. The more you understand, the better you can make educated decisions regarding your treatment.
For appointments, take along a notebook to write down questions or facts that come up while visiting your physician. Bring a friend who can listen to you or remind you of good ideas when you are too drowsy to hold on to anything.
- Build a Support Network
Survival with cancer is greatly dependent upon support. Make other people aware of how they can be supportive, such as preparing meals or driving you to therapy. As your needs change, you can always share the adjustments you may appreciate with them. In-person or virtual support groups allow someone to connect with people in your place. Support groups have the potential to uplift, provide helpful advice, and inspire people who have been through the same experience.
- Focus on Small, Manageable Steps
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what must be accomplished upon getting a diagnosis. Divide your next steps into small, accomplishable tasks instead of getting bogged down trying to do it all at once.
Mark down the little wins, whether you’re wrapping up therapy sessions or discovering a new comfort food love. Those little wins get you back on the ground and remind you of hope in a day that can sometimes feel too much and exhausting.
Endnote
Although going through a diagnosis of cancer is often a highly individual and sometimes challenging experience, you are not alone. You can regain stability and hope by taking clear, practical action, seeking support, and being clear about your rights. Your recovery is about more than your drugs in terms of your day-to-day health care throughout your lifetime.
