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4 Things You Should Do Following a Cancer Diagnosis

Learning that you have cancer, no matter what the severity of your condition may be, can be an upsetting experience.

By Casey ChesterfieldPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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4 Things You Should Do Following a Cancer Diagnosis
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Learning that you have cancer, no matter what the severity of your condition may be, can be an upsetting experience. It can also be one in which you are not sure how to respond to the news. That said, figuring out your next moves is key to making sure that you do what you can to deal with cancer itself as well as the vast array of emotions that you may be currently feeling. If you have recently received been told that you have cancer, here are four things you should do following a cancer diagnosis.

Post-Diagnosis Advice

1. Learn everything you can about your cancer and what your treatment plan will look like

The initial shock of receiving your diagnosis is something that you need to acknowledge and let in. However, after you have had time to sit with the news, it is important that you take immediate action so that you can begin figuring out what your next steps may be. Now is the time to learn more about cancer and figure out what type of cancer you have, what treatment options are at your disposal, what the chances of recovery will look like, how your diagnosis will affect your lifestyle and your family, and what you will need to do to move forward. Getting all of the information (along with any second opinions you need) is key to taking immediate and necessary action.

2. Seek out support to help you as you navigate this experience

Dealing with cancer and cancer treatment can be a life-altering experience. As such, you will need support to keep your outlook positive and help you maintain a healthy state of mind as you navigate treatment. For some, this may mean spending more time with family and friends or going to cancer support groups designed to help you see that you are not alone in your experience. If your emotions have developed into something more serious, it may be time to visit a therapist who can help you work through your feelings and deal with stress or mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

For others, turning to faith and faith-based objects like the new revised standard version Bible can provide comfort and help them get through their darker days. You may even find certain groups that are centered around specific faiths if this is something that you are interested in. No matter what helps you feel more energized and motivated to beat your cancer, pursue it!

3. Figure out what your financial future will look like and how you can deal with the cost of treatment

Arguably one of the biggest areas of your life that will be affected is your finances. Set aside some time to sit down and make a budget that helps you understand how much your insurance will pay (or find an insurance plan if you do not have one), how much you may have to pay out of pocket, and how much others may be willing to help you with. While you are doing your research, you should also look for government-based resources and charitable resources that provide help to financial assistance to cancer patients. Another factor to consider is where you are getting treatment. For example, getting cancer treatment in Old Bridge, NJ, may not be as expensive as getting treatment in a nearby major city. All of these factors play into how expensive treatment is and whether or not you will be able to afford it.

While thinking about finances now may be stressful, it will save you a lot of stress down the road.

4. Grab life by the horns and continue to live it

Some people think that cancer is the end of the road. However, it doesn't have to be. While still taking into regards safety, try to lead the same lifestyle that you have been in order to maintain a sense of normalcy as well as a positive outlook about your condition. Remember, having cancer doesn't define your life. You ultimately decide how to move forward in the face of cancer. Live your life as you wish and do what makes you happy!

A cancer diagnosis can be paralyzing, which is why it is important to have some guidance when it comes to moving forward. If you have just discovered that you have cancer, use the four tips above to learn what the next steps may be and how you should proceed.

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