Coping with a cancer diagnosis
After a cancer diagnosis, you may experience times of distress and feel a range of strong emotions, such as disbelief, fear, sadness, anxiety and anger. These reactions can be seen as a type of grief − cancer often involves a series of losses, such as the loss of good health, temporary or permanent changes to your appearance, not being able to work or do your normal activities, changed financial plans, a loss of independence, changed relationships, and a shift in how you see yourself. It usually takes time to adjust to these changes.
When your mental health needs are met, you are in the best position to manage the demands of treatment. Let your treatment team know if you have a history of anxiety or depression, as this could make you more vulnerable now. Many people say that their experience after a cancer diagnosis also includes feelings of hope and connection. For some, it can be a time of reflection and lead to new goals and priorities. It is important to manage emotional distress and seek professional support if it is ongoing.
Shock and disbelief
The first reaction to a diagnosis is often shock – you may feel numb, as if you aren’t feeling any emotion. It may take time to accept that you have cancer, especially if you don’t feel sick. This numbness can protect you as you gradually come to terms with the diagnosis.
However, some people may never fully accept the diagnosis. Over time, denial can make it difficult to accept the demands of treatment, so always discuss your views with your cancer specialist.
Fear and anxiety
Cancer treatments and outcomes have dramatically improved in recent years, but it can still be very frightening to hear the word “cancer”. It’s normal to worry about the treatment, side effects, test results and the long-term outcome, as well as the impact that the diagnosis will have on your family, work and other responsibilities.
Most people cope better when they learn more about the diagnosis and treatment options and when they develop a plan for how they will manage the practical issues. The period before each new treatment begins may be particularly stressful, but many people find that they feel calmer once treatment is underway.
In times of stress, your body releases adrenaline, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure goes up, your breathing is shallow and rapid, your hands get sweaty, and your mouth gets dry. These natural reactions are part of the “fight or flight” response to danger, allowing people to react quickly to a sudden threat. For most people, these feelings settle, but for others they can cause panic attacks or they may be ongoing. This can lead to anxiety that affects your thoughts and may make you irritable and short-tempered.
Panic attacks
For some people, severe anxiety or fear can lead to panic attacks. These might happen in a particular situation, such as having a test in an enclosed space or before a medical procedure, but sometimes there is no clear single trigger.
A panic attack can happen suddenly and be very alarming. It can include symptoms such as:
–shortness of breath
-racing heartbeat
-dizziness
-sweating
-shaking
-chest pain
-a choking feeling
-overwhelming fear
In a panic attack, these sensations may be intense, but will normally peak and pass within a few minutes. However, they can also be symptoms of heart attack and other serious health conditions, so call 911 if they occur unexpectedly, do not pass quickly, or if you are unsure. If you experience panic attacks, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage them.
Local Support Groups
(Central & Western ND)
Breast Cancer Support Group
Bismarck Cancer Center, 500 N 8th Street
5:30 p.m. – 2nd Thursday of each month
Caregivers Cancer Support Group
Bismarck Cancer Center, 500 N 8th Street
5:30 p.m. – 3rd Tuesday of each month
Cancer Support Group
Bismarck Cancer Center, 500 N 8th Street
5:30 p.m. 3rd Thursday of each month
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Legacy United Methodist Church, 4600 Durango Drive, Bismarck
3:00 p.m. – 2nd Wednesday of each month
Lola’s Grace Faith Based Cancer Support Group
Legacy United Methodist Church, 4600 Durango Drive, Bismarck
6:30 p.m. – 4th Tuesday of each month
Look Out for Lymphedema
Bismarck Cancer Center, 500 N 8th Street
3:00 p.m. – 3rd Wednesday of each month
Multiple Myeloma Support Group
Bismarck Public Library, 515 N 5th Street
6:30 p.m. – 3rd Tuesday of each month
Healing Art Workshop for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers
Art from the Heart Studio, 311 N Mandan Street, Bismarck
6-8:00 p.m. – 1st Tuesday of each month
Elgin Cancer Support Group
Elgin Public Library, 121 N Main Street, Elgin ND
2:00 p.m. – 4th Wednesday of each month
Dickinson Cancer Support Group
Dunn Brother’s Conference Room, 269 16th St West, Dickinson ND
6:00 p.m. – Last Monday of each month
Face 2 Face Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group
Cappuccino on Collins, 105 Collins Ave, Mandan ND
7-8:30 p.m. – 3rd Tuesday of each month Email bismarckf2f@gmail.com for more information
Women of Strength – Support Group for Women with Metastatic Cancer
UND Center for Family Medicine, 701 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck (3rd floor, Room 3)
1:30 p.m. – 4th Wednesday of each month
Anger, guilt and blame
It is common to ask “why me?” You may feel angry with your family or friends, health professionals, the world, or even yourself if you think you may have contributed to the cancer or a delay in diagnosis. Perhaps you’re angry that you did everything right and still got cancer.
Cancer often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages, or it may cause symptoms that are more likely to be explained by other conditions. This means it can take some time to get a diagnosis.
It’s natural to try to work out why the cancer started. However, even though we know the risk factors for some cancers, not everyone with risk factors will get cancer, so there is an element of chance. If you are blaming yourself, try to remember that no-one deserves cancer.
People diagnosed with cancer often say that their greatest concern is for the people they love, that they feel guilty about putting them through such a stressful experience. It may be helpful to share your feelings with someone neutral, such as a counselor.
Sadness
Feeling sad after a cancer diagnosis is common. It is a natural response to loss and disappointment. You may be sad about the way cancer has changed your day-to-day life, your body, or your plans for the future. If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning, or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression.
Loss of control
Being told you have cancer can be overwhelming, and you may feel that your emotions are out of control. It may also seem that you are losing control of your life − some people say they feel helpless or powerless. This can be very difficult, especially if you are used to being independent or being the one who takes care of everyone else.
When you first learn you have cancer, everything seems to change in an instant. You may feel like your life has been turned upside down. Once the shock wears off, the process of making changes begins. You may have to rearrange tasks and routines in your life as you start treatment. The symptoms and side effects may take a toll on both your body and your emotions. You may have to learn new ways of talking to your loved ones and to your health care team. And you probably have a lot of questions to ask about adjusting to all the new issues that cancer brings. Your local support groups can help you through your cancer journey and connect with other survivors.