Listen to a doctor and his patient talk about the value of candidly discussing cancer concerns.
When you have cancer, you may find it hard to stop thinking about your condition and put it out of your mind. That’s not surprising when your days are filled with doctor appointments, medical tests, and treatments. Constantly thinking and worrying about your illness, however, may lessen your ability to make decisions and follow through with your treatment. Try these ways to redirect your worry into proactive and healthier thoughts and actions.
- Learn what you need to know. Knowledge can empower you and help you feel more in control. Talk to your healthcare team and seek enough information to help you clarify your treatment goals and make informed decisions.
- Take care of yourself. Channel your energy toward helping your recovery. Eat a nutritious diet with adequate calories, protein, and vitamins. Rest as needed. Reorder priorities so you can save your energy for activities you enjoy most. Seek treatment for side effects to help reduce their impact on your life.
- Seek support. Reach out to your friends and family members.
- Control your worry. Allow yourself a time and place to worry. Let yourself think about your cancer and fears for 30 minutes. Don’t dwell on what may happen; focus on what is happening. Record your thoughts in a journal and then close the book until the next day.
- Practice relaxation techniques. You may reduce stress and refocus your energy in many ways. Try yoga, tai chi, guided imagery, meditation, hypnosis, rhythmic breathing, massage therapy, and physical exercise.
- Explore your spiritual beliefs. Turn to practices, such as prayer or church services, that might have helped you in the past. Talk to a clergy member. If you do not consider yourself a religious or spiritual person, seek support from any belief system you value.
- Distract yourself. Trying a new endeavor may help bring you a sense of accomplishment as well as reduce stress. Physical activities like exercise, walking, dance, and yoga may improve your mood and sense of well-being. Poetry, music, drawing, and reading may help take your mind off your illness and provide creative ways to express your feelings. Do not hesitate to
talk with your doctor or nurse if you find you’re still having
trouble coping.
