10 Suggestions to Cope with Your Cancer

"When I found out I had cancer, I was terrified. I was angry. I was in denial. I thought I was too young."

Verna, Colorectal Cancer Survivor and Advocate

As a patient who has been diagnosed with a serious disease such as colorectal cancer, you probably have many questions about your cancer, its source, its prognosis, the upcoming surgery, the potential treatments, and the implications on your personal life. The first thing to know is that you are not alone. Others have gone through it before, and there are several places to get help.

Here are 10 suggestions that may help you cope with your cancer. These suggestions are provided to you thanks to our special contributor, Laura Porter, MD Patient Advocate Consultant and stage IV survivor, Colon Cancer Alliance.

  1. Try not to panic. You are not alone, there are others who have been where you are and are willing to help. Check the Buddy Program from the Colon Cancer Alliance or programs and services provided by the CCA and others.

  2. Prepare for a long journey. Big changes are on the horizon with ups and downs. Eventually, you will discover a new “normal.”

  3. Get a three-ring binder to stay as organized as possible. On the days you feel poorly, you will be happy that your information is handy. Set up a divider system that works for you. Some suggestions are:

    1. Insurance–copies of your cards and contact people
    2. Power of Attorney and Advance Directives
    3. Calendar
    4. Medical History–you will be repeating it frequently
    5. Medications
    6. Treatment Team–use business card sleeves for easy access
    7. Lab Tests–you want to keep copies of everything
    8. Medical Imaging–CT scans and MRIs
    9. Healthcare Appointments–write down all questions and concerns for your next visit and keep track of what was said. This checklist provides a starting point:  Checklist for Talking with Your Doctor (PDF)

  4. If possible, go to a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-approved Comprehensive Cancer Center for a second opinion. You can find one in your area at cancercenters.cancer.gov.

  5. Have a treatment team. This is a group of doctors, social workers, case managers and other experts who are working to help meet your needs. A Comprehensive Cancer Center will utilize the team approach.

  6. Learn your treatment options. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to get a second opinion. Most doctors will not mind and actually will encourage you to do so. If and when you go for a second opinion, the binder comes in handy.

  7. When people ask if they can help, say yes. Have a list of specific tasks and assign them. Examples include: pick up the kids, walk the dog, make dinner, go to the store. Most people who offer are willing to help, but they don't know what to do. Make a list as things come up so you are ready when asked. Again, your binder may be a place to keep the list.

  8. Take someone with you to all of your appointments. Two sets of ears are better than one. Both of you should write everything down, as you may hear things differently.

  9. Simplify your life. If you want to work and are able to, do so. If not, don’t worry about it, do what you can. Don’t be afraid to take care of yourself, you need your energy to fight the battle ahead. Let others help when possible.

  10. Try and live each day to the fullest. Don’t allow the cancer to define you. You are much more than your diagnosis. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone.