Managing A Cancer Diagnosis
No one enjoys thinking about cancer. However, the older you get, the more of a risk you have for developing cancer, especially if you have a family history of cancers like prostate and breast. Whether it’s something you or an aging loved one is diagnosed with, having a plan can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with managing a cancer diagnosis.
Tips For The Person With Cancer
There’s nothing easy about learning you have cancer, and everyone’s journey with cancer is different. However, there are some steps you can take to ease yourself into your new reality and continue living the high-quality life you deserve.
Allow Yourself To Grieve
It’s understandable and common to want to stay strong for those around you after receiving a cancer diagnosis. You may even push off grieving for fear of dwelling on the negatives. But grieving is an essential part of the process of accepting and dealing with cancer, and it’s something you should feel comfortable allowing for yourself.
There are no specific rules when it comes to grief. There is no certain way you have to grieve. There’s no time limit on your grief. The important thing is to allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and remind yourself there are no right or wrong ways to process your diagnosis.
Don’t Neglect Things You Enjoy
Hearing challenging news can make you want to disengage from the people and things you love. It’s okay to take time to grieve and process your cancer diagnosis, but eventually, you want to get back to the things that bring you joy.
Set aside time each day to do something that makes you happy. It can be something small like reading, doing a puzzle, or watching your favorite show. If you're a more social creature, try calling a loved one and planning a small outing to lunch or a movie. Even with a cancer diagnosis, you can still have fun and enjoy life.
Be Open To Help
Many individuals, whether they have cancer or not, feel uncomfortable asking for help. They fear their needs burden others and don’t want loved ones to feel obligated to help them. As empowering as it may feel to be independent, sometimes it’s even more empowering to ask for and receive help. Even if you don’t know specifically what you need, but you know you want someone to comfort you through this experience, talk to your loved ones. You may even be surprised by how many friends and relatives want to help you.
Tips When Someone You Love Has Cancer
Learning a loved one has cancer can feel like an emotional roller coaster. If you want to support your loved one but don’t know where to start, consider these tips as you embark on this journey.
Educate Yourself
One of the best ways to help your loved one is by educating yourself on their condition and what they’re going through. When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, it often comes with a lot of information about treatments, symptoms to look out for, and long-term prognosis. This information can feel overwhelming and may not register immediately for the person being diagnosed. Help your loved one process the information by educating yourself and helping them decide on the next steps. If possible, consider joining them on their doctor visits so you can receive first-hand information on their condition. It might help to take notes while listening to their doctor as well.
Listen
Sometimes, one of the simplest and most effective ways you can help a loved one after a cancer diagnosis is by listening. Listen to them share their thoughts, fears, and feelings without judgment. You don’t have to fix or control anything. Simply let them express their emotions and support them.
Help With Daily Tasks
As we mentioned above, many people find it difficult to ask for help; even when someone offers to help them, they’ll deny the assistance. Instead of waiting for a loved one to ask for help, take notice of small daily tasks that you can help with, like getting groceries, doing laundry, cleaning the bathroom, or cooking dinner. These daily tasks may get overlooked; taking the initiative to help before you’re asked can mean a lot to your loved one.
Working With Visiting Angels
If you or a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis, it’s essential to understand that you don’t have to go through the experience alone. Visiting Angels provides a range of at-home care services to help seniors feel comfortable at home, no matter their health status.
Caregivers can help with household chores, such as light housekeeping and cooking, so clients can focus on their health. Caregivers can also assist with mobility, bathing, and grooming if clients feel weak or tired from cancer treatments.
Visiting Angels Atlanta East works with clients and families throughout Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, and Vinings, Georgia. Call or message us to learn more about our services and how a caregiver can provide relief and comfort during this difficult time.