Emotional Effects of Cancer

I've been in contact with a lot of other cancer patients and it is plain to see the ones that fair the best are the patients who have a stong attitude. By all means, it will take time to adjust and to cultivate a good outlook after such difficult news. It's important to exercise patience with yourself. Let the process unfold and know it takes time to develop and find your ground again.

It's true that cancer isn't a death sentence anymore, but people still do die from it. It certainly isn't something you will want to take lightly. I think there is much truth in the idea that cancer is a journey, and for many it is a long one. But I assure you that if you look deeply within yourself, there will be some treasures to discover even within the difficult challenges you face.

There may be times when you feel very lonely, even if you have tons of family and friends to help you. This is happening to YOU after all. Even though it has an impact on your loved ones, they just aren't going to be able to understand what it feels like to be the patient that has to come to grips with what is directly happening to her. This feeling of isolation may only make it even more difficult to conjure up confidence in your approach to treatment.

Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor (either your oncologist or primary care) about your thoughts. Your doctor will understand your feelings of fear, depression, anxiety, or uncertainty. There are ways to help address these symptoms that he will be familiar with and able to advise you. Don't rule out medication for depression or anxiety. You have just been handed a mountain to carry on your shoulders - that would buckle the knees of the anyone. Medication and/or therapy can be the difference between not being able to leave the house or still having some semblance of a life with your family.

There is always someone to help, they may be total strangers, but there are angels all around you.

I was homebound for almost 3 years before I realized that I wasn't able to leave my house, not due to the cancer directly, but due to anxiety. Once I told my doctor about it, she explained to me that depression and anxiety are one in the same; some people will experience depression in response to a crisis, while others will manifest their response in the form of anxiety. She immediately prescribed anti-depressant medication for me. Within a short time I was able to have a full life again including doing simple things that were impossible before, like grocery shopping, going out to dinner, and taking the kids to the movies.