Some patients may take solace in their religious or spiritual beliefs after receiving their diagnosis. Patients can often experience an outlet of their pent-up emotions through prayer and meditation. Many studies have shown that patients who employ such practices have better psychological outlooks during treatment than those who do not. Also, many clergymen have been trained in counseling techniques similar to those of mental health professionals. For those patients with religious backgrounds, such spiritual guidance can be very helpful both to them and to their families.
Also, activities such as meditation, reflection and journaling about the experience can alleviate much of the emotional turmoil in a patient’s mind. Simple meditation can clear the mind of distracting or negative thoughts. Slow, steady breathing can improve mental functions and regulate heart rate. Reflection on one’s life and accomplishments can show the patient that their life is worthwhile and improve their outlook during the most stressful stages of therapy. Writing a journal about the process can also help the patient work through their emotions in a constructive manner. Each of these methods is useful in developing a strong mental attitude and aiding in physical healing.
Recovery and Recurrence
Patients who complete their treatment regimen and receive a cancer-free prognosis may feel as if a massive burden has been lifted from their backs. In the most literal sense, they have a new lease on life. While the most arduous part of the recovery process may be over, the work to maintain their health truly begins. The staff at the Mayo Clinic recommends that patients who have finished treatment continue to take part in all of the activities they started during their recovery. These include staying with a healthy diet, regular exercise and other healthy habits such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
During follow-up exams, some cancers can show signs of recurring at or near the same location in the body where the first tumors appeared. Many patients will feel the same type of distress and anxiety that they experienced during their initial diagnosis. Others may start to believe that the time, effort and money spent on combating the initial cancer has been wasted; they may not feel strong enough to go through the same battle all over again.
One of the advantages that patients who receive a diagnosis of a recurrence can use is that they are much more prepared than they were the first time. They also have access to many more educational, emotional and social resources and understand the process much better than they did after their initial diagnosis. Also, in most cases, the treatment schedule will be much easier; patients may experience less discomfort and doctors will be able to treat the patient more effectively and with less “trial and error”.
A patient who experiences a cancer diagnosis understands it as a life-changing event, both for themselves and everyone in their life. While the disease and treatment can affect every aspect of daily life, many tools exist today to help deal with the impact. In order to cope with this trying situation, patients should start asking questions without fear and anxiety. From there, they should take the information they’ve gathered to form plans and organize details to smooth out the long and arduous process. Numerous health care professionals and cancer survivors understand that, when fear wins, the patient loses.