Getting a colon cancer diagnosis can bring up a lot of emotions. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious and sad when getting a diagnosis. People often feel uncertain about their future not only because of their health, but because of the new financial burden of paying for cancer treatments. Although getting the diagnosis of colon cancer can be difficult to comprehend, it is important to know how to cope with it and how to live a life that is not controlled by cancer. Knowing good methods and tips to coping with a colon cancer diagnosis can improve a person’s quality of life and make living with colon cancer much easier.
The first thing you should do when they get a colon cancer diagnosis is to find out exactly what to expect from the cancer and the treatment. You can do this research on your own, or you can talk with your doctor. You should talk with your doctor about what treatment options are available to you for the specific stage of colon cancer that you have. You can discuss what to expect from each of these treatments. You should ask exactly how the treatment works and what is going to happen to your body during these treatments. You should always ask any question that comes to mind, even if you feel like it is silly or unimportant. Every question matters. Knowing what to expect from the cancer treatment, and understanding what the cancer is doing to your body may alleviate anxiety. There will be less surprises when treatment begins and you will have a clear idea of what to expect during your treatment. Understanding what is happening will help you worry less.
You should seek emotional support not only from family and friends, but possibly from a therapist or a support group. Feeling sad, anxious and lonely after a colon cancer diagnosis is completely normal. Talking with others in a support group who are going through the same things may help you deal with your emotions in an easier way. A therapist can give you direction on how to deal with emotions and how to talk with others when you are feeling down. Family and friends can be a great support system, but you have to remember that this diagnosis is affecting them as well. Putting all of your worries on them may not allow them to help you as much.
It is important to make sure that you take care of your body. Your body is going through a lot, and you are experiencing a range of emotions. Getting plenty of rest will help your body be better able to fight the colon cancer, and your mind will be better able to cope with emotions. You should also stay active. You can talk to your doctor about what types of physical activity are safe and effective for you. You should also consider talking with a nutritionist. They can help map out a meal plan that will keep your body happy and healthy during treatment. The vitamins and nutrients in healthy foods keep a body happy, and happiness is an emotion that needs to be seen during cancer treatment.
Although the conversation may be awkward, you should talk to your partner about physical intimacy. Both of you may have concerns about being intimate during cancer treatment. Being open with your needs and concerns can help both of you adjust to the changes that may happen during and after treatment. This will cause less stress between the two of you, which will help during the already stressful time of treatment.
Getting a colon cancer diagnosis can be extremely difficult to hear. You will experience many emotions and you will often feel hopeless. Knowing ways to cope with the diagnosis will make going through treatment much easier and much less emotional. Keeping your spirits high throughout the process will make it easier to deal with.