( 606 ( 606 ) ) 677-1451
Prepare for possible physical changes
As soon as you receive a cancer diagnosis and before you begin any treatment , you should plan for changes to your body . Preparing yourself early can help you deal with it all later .
Some medicines you will be taking may make you lose your hair , talking with people in the business of wigs and hairpieces early on may make you more comfortable . Getting advice on clothing and makeup may help you feel attractive and more confident .
Support
Consider joining a cancer support group . These groups can usually be found at your local hospital or your team can help you find one in your area .
It can be hard to talk about cancer with someone who has not had it . It ’ s hard for them to know what you are going through .
Support groups can provide a wealth of information and tips that have helped them . Talking with other cancer survivors can tell you what to expect and answer some of your concerns . They become like family .
And speaking of family , utilize your family and friends . They can run errands for you , take you to appointments , prepare meals , or help with household chores . This gives those who care about you a way to help .
Don ’ t be afraid to ask for help . Being open with your loved ones can help lower some of the anxieties and fears that your diagnosis can cause .
No one fights alone . There are people who want to help . Let them .
Treatment Day
Although everyone ’ s treatments is different , there are some things everyone can do to make treatment day a little more tolerable .
Preparing a “ chemo bag ” is good for all cancer patients to do .
Here is a list of some of the things you may want to consider for your chemo bag :
• Snacks and drinks
• Chapstick or lip balm
• Lotion
• Electronic devices ( and charger )
• Headphones
• A journal or notebook
• Reading material
• Puzzles or puzzle books
• Socks
• Blanket or pillow ( if they are not offered to you )
Don ’ t forget to wear comfortable clothing and let your nurses know if you need anything or have any questions .
Finances
A lot of unexpected financial issues will occur after you have been diagnosed with cancer . Medicines , medical devices , traveling for treatment , fees , food , etc . are just a few of the expenses you will incur . Preparing for these early will help you not feel so anxious .
If you work , your treatment may require time away from work . Talk with your human resource person or boss about a family medical leave or other options that may be available through your employment to help make your journey work for all those involved .
Once again , your support team includes a liaison who can provide helpful financial resources .
Resting and Healing
This may be the most important tip you receive . Make sure you take time to rest and heal , not just from your surgery or surgeries , but from your treatments , too . Your body will be going through a lot and you need to make yourself a priority when it comes to your cancer recovery .
Try to make time each day for exercising , getting enough sleep and eating healthy . Participate in activities you enjoy , and that you are up to doing . It will help you mentally as much as physically .
How a person deals with cancer is different for everyone .
Here are some of the ways I dealt with my cancer :
• Shared my feelings with my family , especially my daughters , and kept them updated when I wasn ’ t feeling myself or was going through something extra difficult .
• Kept an organizer with all my papers , forms , letters , etc . in one convenient place . It helped a lot when going to so many different doctors .
• Kept a journal . Keeping a journal , helped me convey my feelings , organize my thoughts and helped calm me down .
• Relied on my faith and my church family . My faith kept me grounded knowing God was just a prayer away , day or night , and the spiritual support and prayers were always appreciated .
• Made sure I had some alone time . It helped me reflect , de-stress , pray , and prepare for the next treatment or appointment .
We We ' re ' re Here for for You You Every Step of of the the Way on Your Road Road to to Recovery
Somerset , KY 42503
( 606 ( 606 ) ) 677-1451
BACHAR BACHAR KASSEM ,, M . D .., D F .., A . F C . P A . . C . P . & Medical Oncology & Medical Oncology Fellow American College of Physicians Fellow American College of Physicians Somerset Location Somerset Location
Personalized , , individual care from from renowned cancer cancer physicians and and a a specialized specialized team team of of oncology oncology nurses nurses and and therapists therapists .
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October 2024 SEKY - Southeast Kentucky Life • 19