Finding out you have cancer is going to trigger those five stages of grief, and this will inhibit your ability to fight the deadly disease. It’s important when you learn you have cancer to be as educated as possible about how to get rid of it. Use the tips below to help you overcome cancer.
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!
Immediately stop smoking if your doctor tells you that you have cancer. Some smokers may think that since they have cancer, there is no reason to quit. That’s wrong, though. Cigarettes are called “cancer sticks” for a reason. The chemicals in the cigarettes significantly reduce the chance that you will recover.
When battling cancer it is important to surround yourself with people who will honestly listen to your opinions and feelings without judgment. There are days when you are going to be angry, frustrated or sad and you need to be able to express those feelings openly and honestly when need be.
If you know someone with a diagnosis of cancer, give them the opportunity to talk to you. Although this may be hard to do, your loved one will appreciate the opportunity to talk through their feelings with someone who cares. Try to listen without interjecting your ideas or opinions. Let your loved one have this time to simply release some of the difficult thoughts and sentiments he or she is struggling to deal with at this challenging time.
Simple moral support can help someone with cancer is indescribable ways. Something like a simple “I love you” said to someone can have a lasting positive effect that helps people to heal and grow. Emotions play a big role in the fight against cancer, and reminding someone of your love for them is good for everyone involved.
Taking the time to listen to someone with cancer is important, but you should actually go a step further and schedule a time to talk and get everything out in the open. When a person is in higher spirits and not dealing with any negative side effects of the disease, it’s a good time to sit down and have a true heart-to-heart.
Spirituality plays an important role in the fight against cancer. Now, you do not have to believe in any higher power per se, but there is plenty of documented evidence that a person’s belief in something greater than themselves can instill the confidence necessary to fight cancer until it’s defeated.
We are all susceptible to cancer, no matter how strong we think we are. We’re also all likely to lose track and make poor, uninformed decisions when we allow grief, guilt and self-pity to rule over common sense. Make sure you never act uninformed. The tips you’ve read here can help you make the best decisions for your disease.