​6 Things To Do After a New Cancer Diagnosis

So, you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer; what now? Whether it’s your first time receiving this news, or you’ve been battling cancer for some time now, a new cancer diagnosis can be daunting. While getting treatment started right away is often the priority, here are six things to consider before taking on the beast that is cancer.​

1. Allow yourself time to grieve. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can often leave one feeling lost, confused, angry, and a whole host of other emotions. Allowing yourself time to sit with the news and process can be beneficial to avoid rash decisions. The grief process is not streamlined and can often feel like a roller coaster.
   
   While it is imperative not to delay treatment for too long, appropriately grieving for an uncertain future and processing the loss of who you were before the diagnosis can set the tone for the rest of your treatment. Letting feelings come to the surface and being compassionate to yourself during this time can be difficult. If you find dealing with your emotions during your cancer journey too much, know that you are not alone. It is okay to allow others to help, whether it is family, a trusted friend, a chaplain, or a licensed counselor or therapist.
   
   
2. Find your support system. Fighting cancer is not the time to do things solo. Asking for help can often be scary or even awkward, especially if you are typically one who tends to be a lone wolf. Having a helping hand with small household chores like laundry, cooking meals, taking the kids to school, or walking the dogs can significantly impact your road to recovery, and sometimes support is as simple as having a listening ear for you to vent your frustrations and fears. Seek out support groups within your community. Speaking with others who are going through the same struggles can be a great comfort. It can be easier to open up to a stranger going through a similar situation than those dearest to you. Cancer Circles by Cancer Guides is perfect for this. Consider attending one or more sessions. You can get more information and sign up here.
   
   
3. Practice self-care. Stress plays a crucial role in illness and disease processes. Stress over time wears us down, making us prone to disease and illness. Reducing stress has been shown to not only improve responsiveness to treatment but to improve patients’ quality of life and recovery odds, as well. Experts suggest that regular self-care can combat the adverse effects that stress has on our overall health and well-being. They also indicate that effective self-care strategies are an essential element of treatment. During your journey, you may find old coping mechanisms no longer work. New obstacles may require an entirely new strategy. Try implementing journaling, crafting, meditation, or even yoga into your routine to help combat stress.
   
   
4. Exercise. Exercise has many different benefits when you’re fighting cancer, from reducing stress to releasing endorphins (feel-good hormones) and easing aches and pains that may be associated with the disease process or a side effect of therapy.
   
   The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released an evidence-based exercise guideline for adults actively receiving cancer treatment. ASCO recommends aerobic and resistance training for about 150 minutes per week. Aim for light to moderate intensity exercise, such as jogging, cycling, or weight lifting for at least 30 minutes a day for five days per week. Remember to always check with your provider before starting any new exercise program. It’s important to listen to your body, start slow, and don’t over-exert yourself.
   
   
5. Maintain a normal routine. Nothing about battling cancer is “normal”. In fact, dealing with this diagnosis can seem like the furthest thing from normal. It knocks us off our feet, throws entire routines out of whack, and can send our day-to-day lives into chaos.
   
   After being diagnosed with cancer, don’t feel like you need to quit your job and withdraw from all your favorite activities. Having a routine can be our way of taking back some control.
   
   Healthy routines balance rest and activity. Plan your activities for when you have the most energy. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. As long as you are feeling well enough and it doesn’t interfere with treatment, continue participating in your normal activities. Keeping up with your daily routines can help mitigate stress and uncertainty when cancer throws a curveball.
   
   
6. Get a second opinion… or a third. This shouldn’t be confused with doctor shopping for the one provider who finally tells you what you want to hear or can promise a “miracle” cure. Insurances may even cap the number of second opinions they allow in a year. However, many will require a second opinion before approving treatment coverage. Getting another expert’s opinion is vital in helping you understand your diagnosis and treatment begin searching for the proper treatment for you.
   
   A second opinion from another doctor may even help you to consider other treatment options or supportive therapies. Even the best doctors are imperfect and capable of misdiagnosis. A second opinion may result in an entirely different diagnosis and treatment plan.
   
   ​Before diving into treatment after a cancer diagnosis, give yourself time to grieve. Process the new diagnosis before making critical decisions. Allow emotions to surface and be compassionate and patient with yourself. Seek professional help if you need help navigating the feelings that come forth. Build your care team, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Focus on self-care and methods to minimize extraneous stress. Plan your daily routine to balance rest and activity. Aim for 150 minutes of light to moderate exercise per week if your doctor has medically cleared you. Finally, ask for a second opinion, and don’t fear offending your provider by doing so.
   
   https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/planning-for-medicare-and-securing-quality-care/getting-quality-care/medicare-and-second-opinions 
   
   https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.00687#_i29 
   
   https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/exercise-during-cancer-treatment--4-things-to-know.h00-159543690.html 
   
   https://med.stanford.edu/survivingcancer/cancer-and-stress/stress-and-cancer.html 
   
   https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/about/focus-on-cancer/2018/october/self-care-during-cancer#:~:text=Self%20care%20during%20cancer%20treatment,overload%20and%20help20build%20focus 
   
   ​https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/second-opinions 
   
   
                                                                                     Contributed by Devin Leonard, RN

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