Hearing the phrase ‘You have cancer’ from a doctor is a life-changing moment. A wide range of emotions runs through your body, and the fear of the ‘unknown’ becomes scarier. While dealing with a cancer diagnosis is never a walk in the park, there are some aspects that you and your medic team can undertake to ease the problem and increase your capability to overpower the ailment.
For many individuals, the first few days after diagnosis are typically the most difficult. When you hear the word cancer, you may have difficulties listening to what is being said, and asking yourself a million questions. When you’re at home, you may have problems eating, sleeping, or thinking. Remember, you’ll not always feel this way. All of us struggle to find out why and how this occurred. Where did things go wrong? We all need answers, and it can make one run mad. Read on to find out how you can live better with cancer.
Surround Yourself with Positive Energy and Positive People
You are perhaps already thinking about the family members and friends who will bring joy to you merely by being available when you need them. When you’re feeling like you can’t make it, having positive friends around you will genuinely lighten your day. These types of friends are there to give you support whenever you need it, and will not bow out when you need their assistance most.
For instance, one of the friends may be a cancer survivor and will inspire you to be spirited when you’re feeling anxious. In addition, the cancer survivor will guarantee you that the disease is not a death sentence, and you will make it alive. Aside from having positive individuals around you, it would also be wise to equip yourself with positive energy such as listening to uplifting music and reading inspirational books.
Count Your Blessings
Having a gratitude form of a diary, or a journal that helps you to remember the positive things that have occurred in your life may significantly help you find consolation. At the end of every day, think about the things that have happened throughout the day that you can be thankful for.
These things do not necessarily need to be big events or grand gestures. They can undoubtedly be small blessings such as a memorable conversation with a colleague, lovely weather, or just being able to enjoy a lovely desert. This thankful exercise enables you to boost your mind and change the negative perceptions into positive ones.
Limit the Time You Spend with Negative Persons
Before thrilling your mood, it is essential to ship out negative people in your life if you want to live better with cancer. Some people are just irritating, and it would be helpful if you left them alone. In some cases, it is challenging to avoid getting in touch with negative people, especially if it’s a close relative like your sibling.
We are all aware of negative individuals, and certainly know how negative remarks can be unpleasant. If you need to have the best post-surgery cancer care, it will help if you totally avoided the group of people that you label to be ‘toxic’.
Accept Your Moods
The first step towards having a successful post-surgery cancer care is to be fair to yourself and avoid judging yourself for your moods. Try to pay close attention to your moods, and spend a lot of time with people who have an uplifting mentality. As you go through cancer treatment, many emotional challenges will go away or lessen. With time, your sense of confidence and hope will definitely increase.
Find Emotional Support
After being diagnosed with cancer, you may feel lonely. At first instance, you may wonder how you will cope with this scenario. You can get strength in sharing feelings and thoughts with other people who understand what you are going through.
Most cancer centers and hospitals have oncology social staffs in place. The primary job of these staff is to work with cancer patients, and they can genuinely help you converse with your health care department. Basically, they can certainly help you talk about your experiences and find ways to cope with your issue.
The social workers also offer assistance with financial issues and insurance. If you haven’t come across a social worker yet, you can ask for a referral from your health care provider.
Be Ready to Change
The development of cancer is often related to diet, lifestyle, as well as environmental aspects. So, if you want to eliminate cancer and prevent it from coming back, you need to undertake changes to some of the existing habits that you may be involving yourself in. For instance, smoking, red meat and sugar consumption have been associated with cancer.
While kicking out unhealthy habits is not an effortless process, if you note that you are undertaking it for the health of your body, it makes this habit a walk in the park.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Men's health and women's health is mandatory when living with cancer. Cancer survivors can build strength by following a diet that’s filled with fresh vegetables and fruits and low-fat foods. Eating healthily can also lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
The professionals recommend eating plant-based foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Low-fat dairy products and lean protein are also recommended. In addition, avoid eating red meat and highly processed foods as much as possible.
Get Support from Someone Who’s Suffering
Some cancer patients have found strength and comfort in sharing their sufferings and stories with fellow patients to inspire them. In some cases, in acknowledging the anxieties and pain of another, you grow in kindness towards yourself and empathy towards others. Nonetheless, you may consider reaching out to other friends who you feel passionately ready to do so.
Lastly, when trying to get a solution to the cancer threat, it is always essential to consider men's health and women's health. You should never be ashamed of anything and always ask for assistance when you require it. If you feel extremely overpowered such that it impacts your school, work, as well as the relationship in a negative manner, do consider getting assistance from a counselor.
