One call I will never forget came from my doctor. After an ultrasound pointed up a questionable area, I just had a biopsy of my thyroid gland. Although my doctor told me it was probably benign before the test, it was still advisable to get checked out more.
I felt immediately sinister when he called just three days following the biopsy, as he seemed likely to tell me something I did not want to know. This is Dr. Bennett contacting Carrie. The sound of his voice dropped me. "Your biopsy produced the findings here. They discovered cells that were cancer. You'll need to have surgery sometime in the next 6 weeks to eliminate the cancer."
Hearing what he said caused me almost to pass out in pain. It was the call nobody ever desires and permanently alters the path of their life. I was profoundly devastated to receive a cancer diagnosis at the age of 37, and it took courage and strength that I didn't know I had to recover both physically and mentally.
I made a lot of mistakes after my diagnosis, including not accepting aid from others and not giving myself enough time to recover from surgery. I endured the repercussions by feeling alienated, fearful, and ill. It wasn't until several years following my cancer surgery that I started to feel back to my "old" self, but life indeed was never the same as before cancer.
The good news is that a cancer diagnosis doesn't have to be as hard for other people as I made it for myself. There are many more resources available even in just the five years since I went through the process. I prepared these recommendations to help you or someone you love who could deal with some of the same difficulties I battled. I'll never claim that I appreciate cancer because it made me a more substantial or better person. Still, it was an experience that made me take a close look at how I treat myself and recognize that I had to slow down and take care of myself as well as I take care of others I love.
How to Deal With a Cancer Diagnosis
1. Find social support.It might seem apparent, but having the support of others is related with more significant outcomes. Support might come from family members, friends, nurses, healthcare providers, or fellow patients. The crucial thing is that you feel that you have someone to talk to and you don't feel lonely or alone.
2. Ask for help. Even minor things like cooking dinner every night can become burdensome. Practice asking for help with minor things, like asking a neighbor to carry your garbage cans out for you. People most likely would love to provide a helpful hand when you might use some extra help.
3. Allow yourself to grieve.A cancer diagnosis is life-altering. It brings up all kinds of thoughts and regrets and worries. If you have to have surgery like I did, then it's acceptable and appropriate to grieve over losing a part of your body, even if it is cancerous. over me, I had to grieve over the loss of my thyroid gland.
4. Practice self-care.This is a hot trend right now, but it might be a challenging habit to implement into practice. Self-care routines can be anything from taking a bath to reading a book to having a massage. The crucial aspect is that it feels loving toward yourself. You need all the love you can get right now, and who better to love than yourself?
5. Choose foods and supplements to help your recuperation.Your doctor or cancer care center will likely have a recommended diet and supplement plan for you to follow, and most likely that includes a variety of nourishing natural, whole foods. A clean eating diet doesn't have to be restricted, but it emphasizes more natural foods and fewer manufactured items. Supplements that support the immune system can be helpful before or after your treatment (again, just be sure to contact your doctor about whatever supplements you are taking).
6. Practice mindfulness.A cancer diagnosis might lead to an increase in anxiety and even panic. Sitting quietly or journaling for 10–15 minutes several times a day will help you focus on your present condition and put anxieties about the future at bay. If you are experiencing panic attacks or extreme stress, it is advisable to reach out to a therapist to help you manage.
7. Plan something entertaining for the future.After my cancer diagnosis and as I was prepared for surgery, I set the aim of visiting to Europe. I didn't know how or when it would happen, but it gave me something to look forward to. Three years following my operation, I embarked on a fantastic river boat vacation with my husband across the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
8. Stay active, but don't overdo it.Gentle movement like gentle yoga, tai chi, or strolling outside can do a lot for both your mental and physical health following a cancer diagnosis.
9. Practice breathing exercises.Simple breath training that includes counting to 4 (both breathing in and out) can be a helpful practice to calm the nervous system. Try to practice every day so that it feels natural. Be especially careful of your breath as you endure any stressful procedures during your treatment.
10. Don't give up hope.Ever.There are remarkable breakthroughs being made in cancer treatment. Do your homework and make sure you feel secure and comfortable with your doctors and treatments. It's not as easy road, but there is so much hope for rehabilitation.
I was fortunate that my malignant tumor was identified quite early. Even though the experience was tremendously painful and disruptive and terrifying, after five years of living as a cancer survivor, I have discovered healing and hope for my life after cancer. I'm tremendously grateful to be passed what was the biggest challenge I've ever had to face, and even more devoted to a healthy lifestyle than before. It's not about living in fear or regret, but going forward with intention, appreciation, and reverence for each magnificent day we get to be alive.
Carrie Forrest holds masters degrees in management and public health nutrition, and is the creator of the popular blog, Clean Eating Kitchen. Carrie stimulates healthy eating with her tasty gluten- and dairy-free dishes and ideas. Carrie is also host of the Clean Eating for Women podcast, accessible on Apple podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever podcasts are found.
