A cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to mean a death sentence and spiral into depression. Many types of cancer are very treatable, and there are ways you can cope with the process. Read this article for some helpful tips about dealing with this incredibly difficult time and how to make it just a bit easier.
Cancer is a word that most people dread hearing all their lives. Many don’t even get regular check-ups for fear of this word. But by taking advantage of the latest cancer screening tests, such as mammography and colonoscopy, you will give yourself the best odds of never having to hear the dreaded “C” word!
It is quite normal for cancer patients to feel unattractive. Self-esteem is at an all-time low and nothing seems to be right. This is a great time to pamper yourself! When you are feeling well enough, take a friend and go out to lunch. Get your nails done, or shop for a new outfit. Doing normal, everyday activities can make you feel like part of life again and change your whole attitude!
Expressing your love for someone with cancer doesn’t always have to be done vocally. You can simply be there for a person physically to assist them and to show your moral support. Some types of cancer are incredibly rough, and the patient might not be able to care for him or herself. Make sure you’re there for them.
Depression can cause your health to lapse; and thus, can allow the cancer to grow. They may give up completely.
As a cancer survivor, you should be making plans to permanently monitor the long-term effects of the treatment you have completed. Some treatments will put you at a higher risk for cardiovascular issues and even a return of the cancer, so be sure that you speak with your doctor and make plans to monitor the effects of your previous treatments.
It’s important for you to speak up for yourself when you receive a cancer diagnosis – you must communicate with people. If it seems like your friends and family are not supporting you enough, politely bring up this topic with them. Be kind as you explain to your loved ones why you need further support and how they can help. Proceed with caution, however. Dealing with cancer can be a challenging time. Love should always be your foundation. Don’t have any regrets!
Take an active part in your cancer treatments, instead of just being a passive receptacle. Always stay involved in the situation, and pay attention to what is going on. You’ll be worse for it in the end.
Keeping your mouth clean while you’re experiencing chemotherapy is a must if you hope to prevent against mouth ulcers and even tooth loss. Failing to properly care for your mouth will cause cells inside of your mouth to rapidly divide and essentially tear up your mouth. Regular mouth wash can prevent this.
You’re going to be running back and forth to the bathroom a lot as you fight with your cancer, so move into any bedroom that’s closest to a bathroom. Being in close proximity to a bathroom will help to prevent accidents, and you also have quick and direct access to the shower when you need to freshen up.
If you are one of the many women that has dense breast tissue, find a mammogram facility that works with digital imagery. Digital scans will do a much better job at detecting cancer in the women with dense breast tissue than the traditional film would. It will provide your doctor with a clearer image and make it easier to read the images.
Look for makeup that has a good SPF rating. Many women are not going to leave the house without wearing makeup and you can make that very beneficial to your skin. If you take the time to find a good makeup that will protect your skin as it makes you look pretty, you will benefit a good bit.
Avoid any cosmetics that have tar in them. Tar can potentially cause skin cancer, if used on a regular basis. In addition to cosmetics, some psoriasis treatments and shampoos may also contain tar. Check your labels carefully!
If you are the parent of a child who has leukemia or another kind of cancer, it is important that you put on a brave front. Your child feeds off of your energy and by letting them see you sad, they are going to feel helpless. However, it is still important that you try to explain to them what is going on.
As mentioned above, a cancer diagnosis, while obviously difficult, doesn’t have to mean the end of your active life. Having read the advice in this article, you should be better prepared to deal with this difficult time and be an active part of your treatment. Go out there and live the life that you have instead of worrying about the one that you don’t have.
