Getting a cancer diagnosis can be a very hard thing to deal with, and that’s an understatement. However, there are things you can do to make living with cancer a little bit easier. This article has some advice that may help you through this very difficult time in your life.
It’s important to take detection and the possibility of early treatment, seriously, when thinking about cancer. Learn how to self-examine yourself for cancers of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast. Be sure to perform checks regularly so that you can start fighting early and give yourself the best chance possible.
It is important to learn as much about cancer as possible when you are diagnosed with it. There are things that can be done to make the symptoms more manageable at times but you need to take the prerogative to learn what they are and incorporate them into your life.
If you are taking care of someone with cancer, it is important to address your own feelings and fears. By working through your own needs, you will be a better support to the person you love, and you will be able to listen to them more effectively. If you need to, seek out another person who can be your sounding board when things get difficult.
The one big benefit from having survived cancer is that you now know what the signs and symptoms of the disease are, so make sure you’re fully aware of any changes in your life so that you can catch it in time. If you have any symptoms of the cancer returning rush to get help while you are still able.
Having to take large pills in frequent doses can be a huge annoyance and cause discomfort when fighting your cancer. Taking them with a food source like a milkshake, ice cream, or apple sauce is a great way to get them down smoothly without having to bust them up and potentially lose the effectiveness of the medicine.
Don’t be afraid to fight. This is not just any fight. You are fighting for your life. If you refuse to give up and stay motivated, your chances of beating cancer could increase.
When you’re battling cancer, it’s important to try to sleep without the aid of medications and alcohol. Falling asleep naturally, and for a long time if possible, will help your body’s cells to regenerate and become healthier. When you’re tired, try to give into the sleep, rather than fight it.
For women to prevent against contracting certain types of cancer, it is important to avoid taking any type of menopausal hormonal treatments or therapy for extended periods. If you do need these types of hormone treatments, make sure you’re only receiving what you need. Do not make these hormones a way of life for you.
Never allow for the possible insurance implications to deter you from seeking better help with your cancer. Money should be the last thing on your mind here, and there are multiple hospitals and treatment centers out there that will give you full care despite your particular insurance situation. Find them.
For women, a mammogram is a great way to prevent breast cancer. A regularly schedule mammogram allows doctors to detect any lumps in breast tissue. Lumps in the breast tissue are a possible sign of breast cancer. Self breast exams should also be performed by women at home.
Avoid anemia during cancer treatments by eating foods rich in iron such as liver, green leafy vegetables, molasses and lentils. These foods will boost your iron levels allowing oxygen rich blood to be carried throughout your body and facilitates chemotherapy.
Beware of the sun even on cloud covered days. The harmful rays of the sun are still making their way through the clouds and to your skin. Keep sunscreen applied even if you do not feel the heat of the sunrays. They are still causing the damage that they would if there was not a cloud in the sky.
Keep a telephone within an arm’s reach of your bed. While you are undergoing cancer treatments, there may be times when you need immediate assistance. Having a phone close by will give you the opportunity to get help if you need it. This also makes it easy for you to call friends and family members to chat.
Give yourself some personal time at least a couple times a week. You may have found that since your friends and family have found out that you are sick that they want to spend more time with you but it is alright to want to spend time alone and do absolutely nothing during that time.
As mentioned above, getting a cancer diagnosis can herald a difficult and frightening time in your life. While nobody can simply fix your cancer, there are some things you can do to improve your health and your attitude during this time. Hopefully the advice given in this article can ease the pain of this diagnosis.
