Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be an experience that changes a person's entire perspective and future. Once someone receives such heavy news, the person's emotions may range from disbelief, shock, anger, overwhelming sadness, denial, regret, and, hopefully, acceptance.
However, before reaching the "acceptance" stage, one must understand that one needs time to process these emotions at their own pace. Here are some tips for coping after receiving a cancer diagnosis:
1. Take Time to Process Your Emotions.
Allow yourself to feel your emotions without suppression or denial. When a person welcomes emotion without hesitation, dealing with it one feeling at a time becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.
2. Try to Learn More About Your Condition.
It may sound strange to learn more about cancer the minute you get the news. However, on a logical note, learning about one's condition can help someone slowly accept reality once the person understands what to expect in the future.
3. Get Some Time to Be Alone.
Sometimes, it helps to be alone and process one's emotions without distraction. However, it's also crucial to remember that one should never isolate themselves from their loved ones.
4. Share Your Feelings Honestly to Whoever or Whatever You Trust
Once one has accepted the reality of the situation, it may help to share these emotions with someone or something. Sharing one's fears and worries with their spouse, friends, or journal can help ease the burden one may unconsciously carry.
Bottomline: Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. However, it helps to remember that one still has a fighting chance for a long and healthy life. While it's natural to be fearful and anxious, remember that these are just feelings, not truths. If you're struggling with these emotions, please get in touch with your healthcare provider for adequate treatment asap.
- by Diane Davies, author, Jeannie Ann's Grandma Has Breast Cancer
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