I Have Cancer...What's Next? by Elissa Bongiorno

Author:Elissa Bongiorno
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
Published: 2021-07-30T00:00:00+00:00

How someone comes to terms with a cancer diagnosis is a personal decision. Choosing whom to tell and whom to ask for support is a part of the process. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just make sure you reach out.

After processing the emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis, it’s all right to feel hope. Let yourself believe that you’ll be healthy again. The power of positive thinking can make a difference.

THERE’S HOPE!

There are excellent reasons to feel hope, even after a diagnosis of cancer. Modern treatment methods have helped millions of people become cancer survivors. They’re now cancer-free. Other cancer patients are living many productive years with their cancer under control in the same way that people with other chronic diseases manage their illnesses. Some doctors believe that if a patient has a strong will to live and a positive attitude, it can make a difference in recovery.

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND

If you have a friend or family member who’s been diagnosed with cancer, it can be a scary time‚even terrifying. But you can help. It’s okay to be afraid, but remember that you can make a difference in your friend or family member’s life. A cancer diagnosis can be a scary thing, but as a friend, you can help lighten the load. Here are some suggestions.

• BE THERE. It’s natural to be scared of someone’s cancer diagnosis, but remember, they’re even more terrified. The most important thing to do is to just be there for your friend. Don’t avoid them. They’re the same person they were before their diagnosis, and you are too.

• CHECK IN WITH CALLS, TEXTS, EMAILS. Follow their lead. They may be tired or unable to hang out because of immune issues. If they’re not up for a visit, send a card or text a funny meme.

• LISTEN UP. After a cancer diagnosis, your friend or family member is working through a lot of emotions. Ask what they need and listen to their answer. If they’d like a visit, you can arrange to stop by. But never visit a cancer patient when you’re feeling sick. Their immune system doesn’t need to be taxed by a cold or flu. When they talk, don’t insist that they’ll be all right. Let them have space to discuss their emotions, if they’d like. Or just let them sit in silence. Follow their lead.

• HELP OUT. A wonderful thing about friendship is being able to help each other. Ask if you can help with chores, such as laundry or cleaning up around the house. See if they need items from the grocery store, or if they’d like someone to walk their dog. By helping your friend, you’re also letting them know you’re there for them, which is a powerful offering.

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