You may experience fear, anxiety, sadness, anger and overwhelm.
Its completely normal to feel a wide range of emotions when facing a cancer diagnosis.
Common Reactions
You may feel like youre on an emotional rollercoaster after getting a cancer diagnosis.
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The range of emotions you feel can change daily, or even hourly.
Denial
Getting a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience.
The overwhelm may trigger feelings of disbelief, numbness, or shock.
You may want to avoid thinking about it or pretend it isnt happening.
Anger
Anger is a natural emotional response to perceived threats.
Though often not seen in a positive light, anger can be a good thing.
When it comes to a cancer diagnosis, anger can be a vital part of the emotional process.
What if I’d never eaten junk food?
What if I’d gone to the doctor six months earlier?
Depression can lead to changes in your sleeping and eating patterns, difficulty concentrating, and low self-worth.
They may recommend treatment to help manage your depression such as medication and/orcounseling.
With acceptance comes hope.
A hopeful mindset is associated with stress reduction, lower blood pressure, and improved relationships.
Many people with cancer experience significant sadness and grieve the life they had before diagnosis.
Some cancer treatments may change your brain chemistry and increase the likelihood of depression.
Getting support from family members and friends or joining a cancer support group may help you process your emotions.
If your feelings of depression persist, ask your healthcare provider about your options for treating depression.
This may include medication and counseling.
Its completely normal to feel anxious when you or your loved one is facing cancer.
How to Cope
Coping with cancer and the associated emotional toll is important.
Taking care of your own needs can give you the strength it’s crucial that you continue providing support.
Ask your healthcare team for mental health support.
However, the journey is not linear, and not everyone experiences each of these emotions.
Give yourself the space to acknowledge and express all of your feelings openly and honestly.
If you feel your emotional health is negatively affecting your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider.
There is no shame in asking for helpeven the strongest, most resilient people need support.
A cure means that cancer has gone away with treatment and will never come back.
Remission is when cancer has responded to treatment and all signs and symptoms have gone away.
If a person remains in remission for five or more years, they may say they are cured.
Staging helps doctors determine the best treatment plan (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery).
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