A diagnosis of cancer, whether yours or your child’s, presents big challenges. Remember that no matter what your concerns or the prognosis, there are resources and strategies that may make dealing with cancer easier. Here are some suggestions for coping:

§                  Learn all you can. Find out everything you can about your or your child’s cancer — the type, stage and risks involved and your treatment options and their side effects. The more you know, the more you can participate in treatment decisions. In addition to talking with your doctor, look for information in your local library and from reliable Internet sources.

§                  Be proactive. Although you may feel tired and discouraged, don’t let others — including your family and your doctor — make important decisions for you. It’s vital that you take an active role in your own or your child’s treatment.

§                  Maintain a strong support system. Having a support system and a positive attitude can help you cope with the challenges cancer brings. Although friends and family can be your best allies, they sometimes may have trouble dealing with the illness of a loved one. If so, the concern and understanding of a formal support group or of others coping with their own cancer or that of their child can be especially helpful. Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can be a good source for practical information for you and your family, too. You may also develop deep and lasting bonds with people who are going through the same things you are.

§                  Maintain hope. Although your hopes may change as you go through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, it’s important to have hope. For example, when you first hear the diagnosis, you may hope that there’s been a mistake. Once you accept the diagnosis, you’ll hope for a good result from treatment. One way to maintain hope is to set goals. Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. But don’t choose goals you can’t possibly reach. You may not be able work a 40-hour week, for example, but you may be able to work part time. In fact, many people find that continuing to work and engage in everyday activities can be helpful.

§                  Take time for yourself. Eating well, relaxing and getting enough rest can help combat the stress and fatigue of cancer. Also, plan ahead for the times when you may need to rest more or limit what you do. If your child has cancer, one of the most important things you can do is take care of yourself. As a caregiver, you need to have the strength and emotional reserves to meet your child’s needs.  

§                  Stay active. Having cancer doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy or normally do. For the most part, if you feel well enough to do something, go ahead and do it. It’s important to stay involved as much as you can. If your child has cancer, try to keep his or her life as normal as possible.

Look for a connection to something beyond yourself. Having a strong faith or a sense of something greater than yourself seems to be a key factor in successfully coping with cancer.

Share This