What To Do After You Are Diagnosed With Cancer
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer? Waiting to start your treatment or to learn more about the progression of your condition can be extremely stressful. You should read this article for some useful tips on what you should do after you are diagnosed with cancer.
Do some research on your own. You can use the Internet or schedule an appointment with a specialist to ask questions. Some specialists will even have the time to talk to you on the phone. Learning more about the type of cancer you have will give you a better idea of what to expect and what kind of treatment you will have to go through. And you will get a good idea of how hard your struggle will be. Share your findings with your friends and relatives and do your best to answer their questions based on what you learned.
Make some changes to your lifestyle. Getting rid of your bad habits will increase your chances of battling your cancer. Quit smoking and drinking and make some changes to your diet too. Talk to your doctor about your lifestyle and identify the things you need to change together. Try eating more organic foods and make sure you get all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs. You can strengthen your body by becoming more active: go for walks, swim or join an aerobics class. Be careful with exercising: take things easy and do not hesitate to stop exercising if your treatment makes you too weak.
Talk to your friends and family about your cancer. Even though telling people you have cancer is a hard thing to do, you are going to need their help and support. Let your close friends spend time with you and cheer you up and let your family know you might need help with going to the hospital for your treatments or with house keeping after you receive a treatment. You need to find out who you can count on: do not blame your friends or family members if they do not volunteer to help you out. Instead, be thankful for the people who are ready to support you.
Find something that allows you to relax and forget about your problems. Reducing your stress levels and taking a break from your struggle will help you remain motivated. You should try new activities and perhaps find a new hobby you really enjoy. Get a pet if you need company or consider moving in with some relatives. Doing things that make you happy and allow you to relax will help you fight your cancer without becoming depressed, which actually reduce your chances of surviving. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling with stress or depression: he or she will probably help you find a support group you can join.
Use these tips and listen to what your doctor has to say about the best way to battle your cancer. Prepare yourself for a long fight and remember you do not have to go through this alone.
