Coping with the Many Emotional and Physical Stages of Cancer

Being diagnosed with cancer can be like getting punched in the gut with a sledgehammer. This is especially true if the victim had no idea he or she was sick in the first place.

One day you can be feeling great and going about your life normally and without anxiety, and the next day, you discover you are suffering from any number of cancers, be it leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, brain cancer, or a combination of cancers. 

While at first, the cancer victim might feel as if a medical mistake was made and that cancer couldn’t possibly be present, the medical facts will speak for themselves. That’s when it becomes a matter of finding out what cancer stage exists, how it can be medically treated, and what one’s life expectancy is going forward. Of course, it’s all too common to want to know the chances for survival. 

One more thing is certain when it comes to an initial cancer diagnosis: there is a major financial aspect to the potentially terminal disease. In a word, cancer is expensive. Those individuals who are not of retirement age might benefit from Medicare, which is engineered to cover most, if not all the medical expenses. But those persons who are retired can rely on Medicare, which can cover much of the expenses. 

On occasion, however, both Medicaid and Medicare will deny crucial treatment. If this happens, you might have no choice but to seek out the best lawyer you can find who will fight on your behalf at a time you need it most. Says the professionals at Nicholson & Eastin, Florida Medicare attorney, denials of Medicare claims in pre- and post-payment audits are often erroneous. This is why claim denials must be scrutinized for inaccuracies. This means you need an attorney who works closely with private and public health insurers.  

That said, what are some other worries and concerns that come with being diagnosed with cancer? According to a recent article by Healthline, living with a cancer diagnosis is both physically and mentally challenging. It’s only natural to experience many conflicting emotions during this period. Here are some ways that can help you cope with the many emotional and physical stages of cancer.  

Some Common Emotional Reactions Due to a Recent Cancer Diagnosis

There is simply no right or wrong emotion to feel once an individual has been diagnosed with cancer. The initial stages experiences are said not to be universal. It’s even possible to go through several emotions and moods from one day to the next. 

For instance, one day you might feel sorry for yourself, while the next, you experience profound anger. Some people don’t feel numb while their brain and body process the startling information all of which calls into play the state of your mortality as a vulnerable human being.

Anxiety and Fear

At base, a new cancer diagnosis, especially if there are no outward physical symptoms, can be extremely frightening. At best, many common cancers are unpredictable. It’s the uncertainty about the path the disease might take, along with the aggressiveness of that path, that can cause worry, anxiety, and outright fear. It’s not uncommon at this stage of the game to experience debilitating panic attacks.  

It’s also possible the new cancer victim will be concerned about overall health and the quality of life going forward. What about finances? What about caring for one’s family? How are heavy-duty treatments going to affect job performance? All of these questions will probably be flashing in the victim’s brain. 

In the end, for most people, a cancer diagnosis means you must prepare for dying sooner than you originally thought possible. 

Depression and Sadness

Says Healthline, sadness is the most common response to loss. A cancer diagnosis translates into the decline, if not rapid decline, of your health. The negative impact this might have on your loved ones and friends is only natural. 

Crying alone is common. You might also no longer have an appetite. Spending time around others is no longer appealing. Low energy and feeling tired all the time is said to be typical. If sadness becomes the prevalent emotion day in and day out, accompanied by low energy and a loss of interest in activities that once brought inner peace and happiness, it is likely that the cancer victim is suffering from major depressive disorder or MDD.  

Common Symptoms of MDD

Said to be listed as a mental health condition in the Manual of Mental Disorders, MDD is characterized by experiencing five or more depression symptoms within a period of two weeks. Specific symptoms can include weight loss, depressed mood, loss of pleasure in almost all activities, insomnia or excessive sleepiness, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, inability to think straight, contemplation of suicide, and more. 

Extreme Loneliness 

Even if you are living with loved ones, a cancer victim can suddenly find themselves feeling cast out and lonely. Being unable to open up and express what’s happening to you emotionally and physically causes isolation. It’s as if no one understands what you are going through and, therefore, cannot help you cope. 

While some friends might separate themselves from you since they aren’t comfortable dealing with the prospect of cancer, others will seem as if they don’t care enough or aren’t willing to provide you with the assistance and help you need to assuage your fears. 

Feeling of Anger and Rage

In a word, it’s not only okay to be angry, it’s good to express that anger both verbally and physically in the form of heavy exercise or even punching a heavy bag until exhaustion. In a word, anger is a valid emotion and can even be considered a positive one, since it means the victim is fighting back. 

Ultimately, the various emotional and physical stages of cancer are always unpleasant. You will even feel guilt and regret at the burden you might be placing on loved ones and friends. But shutting them out will only make the situation harder. 

There is nothing wrong with accepting help at a time when you need it most. You’ll find that those who truly care for you will take pleasure in helping. If all goes well, the cancer victim will return the favor once he enters remission.

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