3 Ways to Cope with Being Diagnosed with Cancer
According to Cancer Research scientists, in 2021, 1 in 2 people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime. Being told you have cancer is probably one of the scariest things you will ever hear. However, in order to have the best chance of fighting it, you need to be as strong as you possibly can. Here are 3 ways to cope with being diagnosed with cancer.
Get the Facts
Once you have been told you have cancer, ensure that you are given all the facts and figures about your cancer from your doctor. Determine what kind of cancer you have, where it is situated, whether it has spread, and what size it is. Find out if it can be treated, what the treatment options are, their side effects, and whether or not they will be of any benefit to your particular situation. Once you have the facts, you will be better equipped to deal with what lies ahead and how to devise a plan of action. Try not to focus on worst-case scenarios and statistics of survival rates. Be as positive as you possibly can so you can fight as hard as you can.
De-Stress Your Life
Try to make the rest of your life as stress-free as possible. If you are employed, inform your employer of your diagnosis and come to a mutual agreement about whether you will carry on working full time, go part-time or leave your job altogether. To lessen stressful factors, ensure you are financially equipped to cope with long-term unemployment. Hire an attorney from a reputable disability law firm such as Darras Law to fight for any benefits you may be entitled to but are struggling to claim.
Surround yourself with people you love and who offer you, unconditional love, in return. Distance yourself from relationships that make you frustrated or unhappy. Accept help from people who want to support you and feel like they are needed. Try to keep your life as normal as possible and develop your own coping mechanisms.
Talk About It
Try not to bottle up your emotions. Let everything you are feeling out into the open. You need to be open and honest with loved ones and tell them about your diagnosis and how you are feeling. You will only become tired and stressed if you have to put on a brave face all of the time.
If you don’t want to burden those you love with some of your darkest thoughts and fears, talk to your doctor or a counselor. Alternatively, find a support group in your area where you can talk to people who are going through a similar situation as you. Online forums are another good way to chat with other people living with cancer and share your hopes, concerns, and experiences. However, you must remember that everyone’s cancer story is different and if one person in a group who has the same type as you is told the devastating news that their cancer is incurable, it doesn’t mean yours is too.
