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After cancer, patients need emotional support

Respiratory Care Weekly, May 24, 2006

Cancer survivors who make it through treatment successfully have put the worst part behind them. However, the emotional fallout from a battle against the disease can include fear of recurrence, depression, body changes, loneliness, and changing relationships.

RTs can help their lung cancer patients deal with the aftermath of beating cancer by offering the following advice from the June Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource:

* Be honest: Don't be afraid to admit your emotions to yourself and others.

* Reserve judgment on yourself and others: Realize that the current circumstances aren't your fault and that feelings come and go.

* Clarify expectations: As you move on, make clear to your family and friends what you can and can't do.

* Stay connected: Staying connected to yourself, to others, to your spirituality, is one factor most often cited as being helpful when recovering from cancer.

* Laugh as often as possible: Laughing promotes the release of endorphins, brain chemicals that help fight pain and depression.

* Take care of yourself: To feel your best, try to stay your healthiest. Focus on appropriate exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet.

* Ask for help: Getting professional help to adjust to these emotional challenges isn't a sign of weakness, but one more step toward growing stronger and taking care of yourself.

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