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Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases known to man. In spite of all the technological advancements that mankind has made, a guaranteed cure for cancer still seems to be out of grasp. However, if cancer is detected in the early stages, there is a high chance of complete cure. If detected only when the disease has reached advanced stages, the chances of cure diminish to a great extent. The treatment involves complicated procedures that involve surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, all of which are very expensive and take a toll on the physical and emotional health of the patient.
Needless to say, dealing with such a situation is traumatic for both the patient as well as his or her family members. In fact, psychologists often consider family members of cancer patients as secondary patients. It can be quite agonizing to see a dear one in such pain and even succumb to the disease.
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with cancer, the news can cause a lot of stress. Cancer causes not only physical pain, but emotional anguish as well. Expect a multitude of emotions like anxiety, fear, helplessness and even anger; these are normal reactions to such traumatic news.
It needs a lot of courage and strength of character to fight cancer. During such times, the support from family and friends can help you keep going. But when you find people sympathizing with you and treating you like you are about to die, it might cause or aggravate existing depression.
Your general physician might not be able to help much in this situation, it is better to consult a qualified oncologist. He will be able to suggest the proper course of treatment.
You need to gather all the inner strength you have and fight cancer with all the positive energy that you can muster. Though this might sound philosophical, even doctors agree that positive thinking boosts your immune system and your cancer fighting ability. For the family, it is very important to provide encouragement at every step.
Cancer can bring a lot of complications in your life, like immobility, excruciating pain, chronic problems, sleeplessness and anemia. You might not be able to carry out your daily duties at all. If you have small children, it might distress you that you are not able to take care of them.
You will need an entire team of health professionals to fight cancer, including a psychologist. He can help you overcome the fear of surgery or advise you on how to deal with the physical and emotional after effects of chemotherapy.
The treatments themselves are traumatic though they are necessary to save your life. There might be a number of side effects like reduced bone mass, loss of hair and breast removal (for women), which can have an effect on your self esteem. It is your own strong spirit and the support of your dear ones that will help you here.
Emotional recovery is as important as physical well being, getting back to your prior state of mind often takes more time. You will need to make permanent changes in your diet and lifestyle.
Those who have emerged victorious, battling cancer, often report an entirely different view of life. They tend to make several positive changes in their lifestyle and are often deeply thankful for all the good things in their lives.
Do not let the cancer eat into your spirit, it has already done enough damage to your body. It is easy to say this, or just read about the various things to-do, but extremely difficult to practice. But remember, it may be difficult but not impossible. Take courage from the thousands of cancer patients around who have survived this ordeal.
