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 When you hear a cancer diagnosis, the world turns upside down. You may feel like you've lost control -- a bad feeling for anyone. For many, regaining a sense of control needed to make decisions starts with talking, understanding and learning as much as you can about your cancer. Talk to your doctor and other healthcare professions, check out your local library or go online.
Do not let other people make decisions for you. Decisions affecting your body and your cancer should be in your control. You are an expert on yourself and are the only one who has your best interests in mind at all times. Put your trust only in the hands of loved ones and doctors who know you and what you need to combat the cancer. Keep in mind, there are no definitive answers when it comes to cancer. There are no surefire techniques when it comes to treatment. What works for someone else may not work for you. Your decision should be personal and should be influenced by factors unique to you. Emotional support is important when making decisions so consider joining a support group. Being part of a group of individuals who have dealt with similar situations can provide you with a wide variety of resources. People can tell you what did and did not work for them. By calling upon knowledgeable people to offer advice you are educating yourself. Always remember that rarely is a decision permanent and irreversible. If you choose therapy such as radiation or chemotherapy and have bad reactions, you will be allowed to stop. Your trusted doctor will not allow you to torture yourself and may be able to suggest alternatives. Here are some additional helpful resources to assist you: National Cancer Institute: National Cancer Institute: American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): |
Coping with Cancer 