Feelings
It is common to feel stress or anxious when you have cancer. Anxiety can be a vague or uneasy feeling of distress. Many times, feelings of anxiety can seem overwhelming. Small trivial matters that usually would not be of concern to you grow out of all proportion.
The disruption of your normal routine can make you feel resentful and frustrated. You may feel you are no longer in control and it is usual to feel like this.
Everyone has different fears and feelings, which are very individual. Depression can sometimes occur as the drugs start to work on the cancer.
As you are trying to come to terms with what is happening, it may seem like you are facing a never-ending prospect of hospitals and illness. However, try to remember that any side effects from your treatment will gradually wear off when your treatment is complete.
Side effects, especially hair loss and tiredness can make you feel sad about your personal appearance. Often, because it takes time for the cancer to respond to the drug, you may begin to feel discouraged and depressed. Very often, there is nothing that lets you judge whether you are responding to treatment, and can make you feel unsure. The biggest fear is the fear of the unknown.
You may also find that you have a limited concentration level, or that you forget things easily. This appears to be a common problem, and is temporary. Writing things down may be helpful.
Many patients feel afraid because they do not know what will happen in the future. Some people do not understand what is happening to their bodies and are possibly afraid of the effects of the cancer or treatment. You may feel particularly anxious and worried when your treatment ends, unsure of what lies ahead. It may be helpful to talk about this to your nurse or doctor.
How you can help yourself:
Once you are able to identify why you feel the way you do, you can start to take positive action. Knowledge can be an answer to fear. Fear of the unknown generates more fear and anxiety, so if there is anything that you do not understand, or do not know, ask.
If the answer or the explanation is not clear, ask again and keep asking until you have an answer you can understand. No one will mind you asking questions, big or small. If something is important to you then it is important to us.
Writing down your thoughts may help you to clarify any questions that you may have for your doctor or nurse. This will also help you to remember to ask them! It is sometimes very difficult at the beginning of a course of chemotherapy to see the end, and often you will wonder how you are going to get through it all.
Some patients find it helpful to keep a diary of their thoughts and feelings. This makes it easier to recall how they felt during the low periods and to see that that they came through. Some patients report the loss of control is a concern. To help you overcome this you may like to look into ways that put you back into control.
Learning relaxation techniques or meditation may be helpful. Try to plan your day so that you can still do the things you want to do. Try not to let the chemotherapy interfere too much with your social life. Be aware of your limitations and do not push yourself too hard.
Take some gentle exercise to get rid of tension. It is best, however, to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimes.
It is common to feel stress or anxious when you have cancer. Anxiety can be a vague or uneasy feeling of distress. Many times, feelings of anxiety can seem overwhelming. Small trivial matters that usually would not be of concern to you grow out of all proportion.
The disruption of your normal routine can make you feel resentful and frustrated. You may feel you are no longer in control and it is usual to feel like this.
Everyone has different fears and feelings, which are very individual. Depression can sometimes occur as the drugs start to work on the cancer.
As you are trying to come to terms with what is happening, it may seem like you are facing a never-ending prospect of hospitals and illness. However, try to remember that any side effects from your treatment will gradually wear off when your treatment is complete.
Side effects, especially hair loss and tiredness can make you feel sad about your personal appearance. Often, because it takes time for the cancer to respond to the drug, you may begin to feel discouraged and depressed. Very often, there is nothing that lets you judge whether you are responding to treatment, and can make you feel unsure. The biggest fear is the fear of the unknown.
You may also find that you have a limited concentration level, or that you forget things easily. This appears to be a common problem, and is temporary. Writing things down may be helpful.
Many patients feel afraid because they do not know what will happen in the future. Some people do not understand what is happening to their bodies and are possibly afraid of the effects of the cancer or treatment. You may feel particularly anxious and worried when your treatment ends, unsure of what lies ahead. It may be helpful to talk about this to your nurse or doctor.
How you can help yourself:
Once you are able to identify why you feel the way you do, you can start to take positive action. Knowledge can be an answer to fear. Fear of the unknown generates more fear and anxiety, so if there is anything that you do not understand, or do not know, ask.
If the answer or the explanation is not clear, ask again and keep asking until you have an answer you can understand. No one will mind you asking questions, big or small. If something is important to you then it is important to us.
Writing down your thoughts may help you to clarify any questions that you may have for your doctor or nurse. This will also help you to remember to ask them! It is sometimes very difficult at the beginning of a course of chemotherapy to see the end, and often you will wonder how you are going to get through it all.
Some patients find it helpful to keep a diary of their thoughts and feelings. This makes it easier to recall how they felt during the low periods and to see that that they came through. Some patients report the loss of control is a concern. To help you overcome this you may like to look into ways that put you back into control.
Learning relaxation techniques or meditation may be helpful. Try to plan your day so that you can still do the things you want to do. Try not to let the chemotherapy interfere too much with your social life. Be aware of your limitations and do not push yourself too hard.
Take some gentle exercise to get rid of tension. It is best, however, to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimes.
- See more at: http://www.ccotrust.nhs.uk/patients/treatment/chemotherapy/feelings.html#sthash.jgbO8fhz.dpuf
