Tips To Help You Learn How To Live With Cancer
Tips To Help You Learn How To Live With Cancer - Being able to have a friendly and informative back-and-forth conversation with your doctor is crucial if you want to know your treatment options for a disease like cancer. You need to be aware of the fact that there is a lot more that goes into living with and treating this disease than what a physician can tell you. Study these tips to learn more about cancer.
One way to reduce your risk of cancer is to get immunized. Hepatitis B and HPV (human papillomavirus) can both lead to cancer. The Hep B vaccine is routinely given to infants, but is also recommended for adults who are considered at risk, such as people with multiple sexual partners or who are regularly exposed to blood.
It is important to learn as much about cancer as possible when you are diagnosed with it. There are things that can be done to make the symptoms more manageable at times but you need to take the prerogative to learn what they are and incorporate them into your life.
When battling cancer it is important to surround yourself with people who will honestly listen to your opinions and feelings without judgment. There are days when you are going to be angry, frustrated or sad and you need to be able to express those feelings openly and honestly when need be.
Recognize intellectually that your physical appearance will probably change after a cancer diagnosis. If you go into treatment anticipating that you will eventually look different, you will have a much better attitude when those changes actually take place. Talk to your doctor about what to expect as you prepare to begin your journey.
If you have figured out your family's medical history as it pertains to cancer, you should talk to the professionals about what you can do going forward. Cancer specialists will know exactly what steps you can take to make sure that the disease is caught in time so that you can lead a normal, healthy life.
Read as much as you can about the topic of cancer, if you or somebody you know, has it. A confident attitude is an important ally in your fight.
You will develop many new friends while undergoing treatment of your cancer. These new friends will be doctors, nurses, oncologists or chemo specialists. These people are here to help you. You can't do this alone; be ready to allow people into your life to help.
Cancer patients will regain their strength after the treatment is over, even if the cancer isn't gone, so this is a great time to actually get out there and enjoy your life. It doesn't have to be the proverbial bucket list, but doing the things you enjoy will remind you that you should be fighting the cancer so that you can always enjoy these things.
Don't listen to the studies that say alcohol somehow protects against cancer. The only reason that wine helps fight and prevent cancer is due to the grapes. Actually, imbibing alcohol in large quantities makes you more susceptible to developing cancer.
You should consider ridding your diet of coffee if your cancer treatments bother your stomach. Caffeine in coffee can increase the intensity of stomach upset, so it's best to remove it from your diet. You should also avoid other caffeine sources, like soda and chocolate.
Know your family history so you know if you are at risk of getting breast cancer. If you have family members who have had it before reaching menopause, be sure to tell your doctor. You are going to be at a higher risk of developing the cancer as well, and your doctor will want to keep a close eye on you.
Exclusively breastfeeding your baby for at least six months can provide him with valuable health protection later in life, including cancer protection. Scientists are not one hundred percent sure why this can protect your child, but it appears that the healthy immunity boosters they receive from breast milk can have a lifelong effect.
Talk to your doctor about anti-nausea medications if you are going through chemotherapy. Nausea is one of the most common, but unfortunate side effects of chemotherapy, but it can be treated with medications. Most insurance plans will cover these drugs, as it is needed to help a patient manage their side effects.
Keep your babies out of the sun as much as possible. Use swim shirts when out at the beach or at the pool. Keep the sunscreen flowing and apply it to them quite often. Even if the sunscreen claims to be waterproof, they are sure to be losing some of the protection as they swim.
Know the moles on your body. It would not hurt to occasionally take a photo of the moles that you have, so you will be able to track their growth. If you have a mole that is growing or changing colors, you must go to have your doctor check it for you immediately.
If you recently found out that you have cancer and you do not have or are not eligible for health insurance, talk with a social worker. Cancer treatment is very expensive and many people cannot afford it. A social worker may be able to help you with a payment plan or get your bills discounted.
Cancer treatment can be a very busy and overwhelming time. Figure out what activities in your life are most important and meaningful to you and make time for those activities, while cutting out other activities. This will give you time to appreciate what is important, while not over-burdening you during treatment.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy, consider getting your hair cut short. There is a good chance that your hair is going to fall out from the treatment and there will be much less to lose if you cut it short. This will make it an easier transition for you in the case that it does fall out.
Having cancer will most certainly feel like the end of the world at times, but it definitely doesn't have to be. Using the tips you've just read in this article to act as your guide, you will be able to explore many options and remain positive about your plight, as you push toward beating this disease.