Living With Cancer

Cancer is common: many Americans are diagnosed with it at some point. It can be life-threatening, but many people are treated successfully, and others live with it for a very long time. For most, learning to live with the disease is one of the hardest things they have ever done, because it touches nearly every part of their lives and the lives of the people around them.

Cancer and its treatment can change:

• daily routines and the ability to work;
• important relationships;
• how you look, feel and think about yourself.

Knowing what to expect can make you feel more in control and better prepared. Your health care provider can point you to information and support services that fit your needs.

Coping with feelings

Cancer can bring strong emotions — sadness, anger, fear, worry, guilt. They are normal and tend to change over time. It can help to work through them in a way that suits you:

• talk openly with someone you trust;
• write about your feelings;
• try relaxation methods such as meditation and other complementary and alternative medicine;
• do things you enjoy, and take breaks from thinking about cancer.

If your emotions seem to be taking over your life, tell your provider. You may need extra support if you have symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety or panic disorder.

Talking with your care team

During treatment you usually have a team of providers. Besides doctors and nurses, it may include social workers, pharmacists, dietitians and others who can help with the problems cancer raises, money worries among them. But they only know what you tell them. Good communication can help you feel more in control and more satisfied with your care:

• tell your providers how much you want to know — every detail, or the big picture;
• write down questions and concerns before appointments;
• bring a family member or friend to listen, take notes and ask questions.

Talking with family and friends

Cancer changes the routines and roles of the people who support you. They may need to take on things you used to do for them, and you may need their help with things you used to do yourself. That is hard for everyone, and an honest conversation about changing roles and needs can help. If that feels too difficult, a social worker or another member of your care team can help you talk with the family and friends caring for you — who may need support themselves.

Changes in how you see yourself

Cancer and treatment can bring less energy, temporary or permanent changes to your body such as scars or hair loss from chemotherapy, and difficulty with sexual intimacy or worries about dating. These changes are hard, but most people find ways to feel more positive over time. If you feel well enough, you might try:

• Exercise. Walking, yoga or other movement may help you feel stronger and more in control of your body; check with your provider first.
• Staying involved. Volunteering, hobbies and other activities can help you feel good about yourself.
• Counseling for sexual problems, alone or with a partner.

After treatment

When treatment ends, you will have regular follow-up care, and your provider will explain the schedule of checkups and tests. It is a good time to talk about the challenges ahead. Knowing what to expect can help you plan as you find a "new normal" with cancer as part of your life.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: "Cancer — Living with Cancer," drawing on the National Cancer Institute.