Exploring Treatment Options with a Hopeful Mindset
Questions may arise such as, "Why me? What does the future hold? How will I cope?" Despite the initial shock of my own diagnosis, I found a glimmer of hope within me, reassuring me that I will overcome this and emerge healthy in the end.
Hope is a powerful force in the face of adversity. Scientists are continuously working towards finding new treatments to combat cancer, offering promising solutions to halt the progression of the disease.
Clinical trials are being conducted to test these medications, providing a beacon of hope for those battling cancer. Recently, my VNA nurse shared a story about her friend who is fighting cancer. Despite the challenges and pain, her friend found solace in taking care of herself and feeling beautiful, showcasing the resilience and strength that can be found even in the midst of hardship. Her friend found a few minutes of HOPE.
And ever thou I got sad by seen my nurse talking about her friend I saw in her eyes and felt happiness in her speech because her friend was feeling better.
How to Stay Informed Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Your Emotions After Treatment
Just as cancer treatment affects your physical health, it affects the way you feel, think, and do the things you like to do. Besides causing many emotions that may surprise you, the treatment may actually change the way your brain works. Just as you need to take care of your body after treatment, you need to take care of your emotions.
Each person's experience with cancer is different, and the feelings, emotions, and fears that you have are unique as well. The values you grew up with may affect how you think about and deal with cancer. Some people may feel they have to be strong and protect their friends and families.
Written by: Dana Farber
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Adjusting to Cancer
When you first learn you have cancer, everything seems to change in an instant. You may feel like your life has been turned upside down. Once the shock wears off, the process of making changes begins. You may have to adjust your tasks and routines as treatment starts. You also may need to deal with symptoms and side effects that can affect both your body and your emotions.
Written by: National Cancer Institute Staff
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Emotions and Cancer
Just as cancer affects your physical health, it can bring up a wide range of emotions you’re not used to dealing with. It can also make existing feelings seem more intense. They may change daily, hourly, or even minute to minute. This is true whether you’re currently in treatment, done with treatment, or a friend or family member. These feelings are all normal.
Often the values you grew up with affect how you think about and cope with cancer. For example, some people:
- feel they have to be strong and protect their friends and families.
- seek support and turn to loved ones or other cancer survivors.
- ask for help from counselors or other professionals.
- turn to their faith to help them cope.
Written by: National Cancer Institute Staff
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Daily Life During Cancer
Dealing with cancer is a life-changing event for most people. For many, it can be a time to minimize regrets and make new priorities. Try to live each day as normally as you can. Enjoy the simple things you like to do and take pleasure in big events.
You are not your cancer. Although you have to learn how to cope with the disease, you get to decide how you want to live the rest of your life. You can choose to live with hope.
Written by: National Cancer Institute Staff
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Continue Your Journey of Healing & Hope
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Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients
There are different types of caregivers for people with cancer. Some are family members, while others are friends. People of different races and cultures give care to others in their own way. Every situation is different and there isn’t one way that works best.
Caregiving may be
- helping with day-to-day activities such as doctor visits or preparing food
- giving medicines or helping with physical therapy or other clinical tasks
- helping with tasks of daily living such as using the bathroom or bathing
- coordinating care and services from a distance by phone or email
- giving emotional and spiritual support
Written by: National Cancer Institute Staff
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Helping Children When Someone They Know Has Cancer
When children learn that someone they know has cancer, it can be upsetting and confusing for them. Here we will try to help you understand what children might be thinking and feeling, how to talk to them, and share some ideas on how you may be able to help them through this time.
Written by: American Cancer Society Staff
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When Someone You Know Has Cancer
Finding out that someone you know has cancer can be difficult. If you’re very close to the person, this can be a shocking and stressful time for you, too. If you are not comfortable talking about cancer, you might not be the best person for your friend to talk with at this time.
Talking with someone who has cancer
When talking with someone who has cancer, the most important thing is to listen. Try to hear and understand how they feel. Don’t make light of, judge, or try to change the way the person feels or acts. Let them know that you’re open to talking whenever they feel like it. Or, if they don’t feel like talking right at that time, that’s OK, too. You can offer to listen whenever they’re ready.
Try to make your response honest and heartfelt. Here are some ideas:
- "I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care".
- "I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this".
- "How are you doing?"
- "If you would like to talk about it, I'm here".
- "Please let me know how I can help".
- "I'll keep you in my thoughts".
The person with cancer may have concerns or may not feel as hopeful sometimes. You may not be able to truly say that you know how the person with cancer feels. But, it’s good to offer encouragement to make them feel better.
Written by: American Cancer Society Staff
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