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Emotional Concerns

Coping with the many transitions that one faces when diagnosed with cancer often seems like a monumental task. The diagnosis of cancer or any other life-threatening illness is a personal hardship for both the patient and family. It often presents a threat to the balance of the entire family system. As a result, family members may experience both physical and emotional trauma. Stress may sometimes increase during interactions between loved ones. Remember to be kind to yourself and set reasonable expectations. Living with uncertainty is a major challenge that most face when diagnosed with cancer, but there are areas that you can take control of and master. You might not be able to change a diagnosis, but you certainly can participate in the care you receive. We want to work with you in this process and help you in decision making.

Concerns During Initial Diagnosis and Treatment
Many feelings are normal during the initial period of dealing with a serious illness. One might anticipate losses in both the near and distant future. These include potential loss of relationships, job changes, change in the ability to carry out certain responsibilities in private and professional lives, and many others. It is common to feel overwhelmed with all the information given. It is not unusual to have concerns related to life and death. Suggestions for clarifying information and reducing confusion are:

• Write down questions that come to mind and prioritize them so you focus on the most important. Record the answers once received.
• Bring a family member or a friend with you to your appointments to help you remember the information.
• Take one step at a time, focusing on one issue at a time. Looking down the road into the future can often seem overwhelming, but broken down into smaller pieces it can be easier to handle.
• Allow friends and family members to assist you in completing tasks that need to be done, i.e. cutting the lawn, doing laundry, getting groceries. Individuals often want to do something to help but don't know how or what to do.
• Give yourself permission to get what you need. For example, if you do or
  do not want people visiting, make it clear when and how often. If you are not feeling up to the family get together, it is okay to limit time spent at an event or to not go.

After Treatment
After treatment is completed, it is common to be uncertain about the future - not knowing what will happen. Many women experience heightened awareness of body sensations and may have fear related to follow-up appointments and exams. Transition back into the role of being well is often difficult, and family and friends may have different expectations than the patient herself. It is important to be frank when communicating your needs to those around you.

Fear of cancer recurrence is also common, but one should remember that each individual's experience is unique both physically and emotionally. Individuals (patients and family members) all cope differently. It is also not uncommon to become uneasy when treatment ends and you are no longer seen by your health care team as frequently. Relationships with providers are important, and you will have resource numbers to call if problems should arise after you finish treatment. Patients may continue seeing or talking with health care professionals after treatment is complete. Social workers support individuals while undergoing treatment and will often continue to do so after active treatment is completed. It is also important to let your physician or nurse know if problems arise or you are having problems beyond what's "normal" for you. At any time, these individuals can make a referral to a social worker or other professional that specializes in helping people who have a history of cancer.

 

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center