Dealing With a Cancer Diagnosis

The cancer battle is fought on two fronts—the physical, and the psychological/emotional. Learning how to cope psychologically after a cancer diagnosis can vastly improve the process. It won’t help just your emotional state, it will also prevent the added physical damage caused by stress.

Here at Slidell Memorial cancer center, heart center and cardiology services we help our clients confront their cancer diagnosis in an effective and positive way. Remember, cancer is a fight—not a sentence.

How to deal with your cancer diagnosis

Here are the best tips we’ve learned in helping our cancer center patients conquer cancer…

1. Embrace health

You may not feel the healthiest throughout your cancer process, but embrace the healthiest lifestyle you can, to feel your absolute best. Healthy eating with little to no junk food and ample veggies will help you keep your strength. A healthy diet will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle even post cancer.

2. Find a doctor you resonate with

You’re about to spend a lot of time with a doctor. Make it one that is skilled in cancer treatment of course, but also one that makes you feel comfortable, at-ease and knowledgeable about your treatment.

3. Create a network of support

Far too many cancer patients shrink away from their loved ones. This isolation causes increased stress and anxiety and impedes your return to health. Instead, surround yourself with a network of family and friends who will support you through the process. If you don’t already have family and friends who can envelope you with support then find a local cancer support group in your area to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

4. Talk to others with cancer

Your network of support is fantastic—but if they don’t have cancer… they don’t ‘get it’. Find people in your area that have or have had cancer. Talk to them about their experiences, it will help you through yours.

5. Let them help

Your support network will likely be more than happy to help you with errands and other work during your struggle. Many patients have a hard time accepting help—but accept their help. Many friends and family members will actually feel better about their own stress related to your diagnosis by helping you. After you’ve returned to health you can return the favor.

6. Deal with reality

While the temptation to be in denial or a cancer-free state might seem like bliss—you will eventually crash. Deal with the truth about your diagnosis, so that you can take positive steps to come back to health.

7. Anticipate changes in your body

Your body is about to change. Do some research about possible side effects of your cancer and cancer treatment so that they don’t startle you when they occur. Also, maintain your health with a healthy diet so that your body is prepared to deal with physical changes.

8. Remember the small things

Cancer is a big problem and can overshadow the small joys in your life. Don’t forget the small things. If changes in your body make you feel frumpy and sickly—do something to positively improve your self-esteem. If you can no longer be the gardener you’d like to be due to energy deficits then buy yourself fresh cut flowers for around your house.

9. Make goals

You had goals before your diagnosis. Know that your life hasn’t stopped, even if those goals change. Continue to make goals and strive to meet them. Here in our cancer and heart center and through our cardiology services we encourage all our clients to set and achieve healthy goals.

10. Have rewards

The flipside of making goals is rewarding yourself for reaching them. Whether it’s a reward of pancakes in bed after accomplishing a small goal or a dream vacation for a remission diagnosis—give yourself small and large rewards.

11. Plan for the future

Resigning to a grim fate will only hinder your progress, so continue to make plans after your return to health. It will help you through and give you a light at the end of the tunnel.

12. Figure out your finances

Your body can’t recover optimally from cancer if it’s riddled with stress. And the number one cause of stress is financial issues. Sticking your head in the sand about your finances will only cause needless stress. Instead, sit down and understand your finances. Even if they aren’t where you’d like them to be—you’ll feel better knowing where you stand. It will also help you put the money aside that you need for your cancer care and healthy lifestyle.

If you’re currently dealing with cancer and need a holistic cancer center—or are in need of cardiology services—that will help you deal with diagnosis and return to health—give us a call today…we’d love to help.