Question:

Are there anonymous ways of coping with cancer?

Living with Cancer: Coping

Coping with cancer can be an emotional roller coaster that leaves the cancer patient and his or her caregivers emotionally drained. This can possibly lead to depression and thoughts of suicide.

There are many online sites with forums and support groups and support groups “in real life” that can help with coping with cancer. Additionally, some patients and caregivers have learned that certain actions go a long way in helping with coping with cancer and staving off depression:

  • Look for more information when problems arise when bad news is presented.
  • Talk with others and share concerns when a problem arises.
  • Try to lighten up and see the humor in a tough situation.
  • On some days, just try not to think about the illness.
  • Keep busy to distract yourself from being sick.
  • If reliable information shows a change in treatment is needed, do it without delay.
  • Re-examine life, but still enjoy activities and visiting with people.
Using all of these methods may or may not work for each individual. Each patient and caregiver should do what works for that individual person. Some people are very private and may not like talking to others about their illness—talking to the doctor or other health professional can help, or finding an anonymous group of cancer patients or caregivers can take the place of talking to someone you know. When working online, you can always use a screen name to protect identity and privacy. The patient and the caregiver still get the benefits of talking about the illness without “attaching” the illness to his or her person.

Disability Frequently Asked Questions

Should I be ashamed of being depressed because of my amputation?

Can a person with an amputation live a normal, healthy lifestyle?

Do I have to have someone living with me if I am an amputee?

I have an amputation—is there a sport I can compete in?

Where do I meet others like me?

What are the ages of baby boomers?

Where can I find more information on baby boomer topics?

Are there special resources just for baby boomers?

Are there specific health issues I should be aware of?

Should I make the time to seek caregiver assistance and support?

Should a cancer patient caregiver enlist the help of outside resources?

What are some of the things I should do as a caregiver?

Can I get financial help if I am an elderly caregiver caring for an elderly spouse?

How can I make living with a child with a disability easier for me and the child?

Just because a child has a mental disability, does that mean he or she cannot learn?

Should children with physical disabilities be allowed to participate in sporting activities?

Can my child learn from sites on the internet?

What is the leading cause of blindness?

Where can a visually impaired or blind person find information and services?

Are there books that are printed for the blind or visually impaired?

Does an employer have to make accommodations for a deaf person?

Where can specific information on deafness and hearing impairments be found?

Is there assistance for hearing impaired workers?

Does a hearing impaired disability hold a person back?

Where can a hearing impaired person look for jobs?

Does a deaf or hearing impaired child have the right to attend public school?

Does a veteran get VA disability if the disability is not service connected?

Can a disabled veteran get employment?

Where can a disabled veteran get assistance?

Where can a disabled veteran find other disabled veterans to communicate with?

Where can a disabled veteran find information on local organizations?

What should I do if I notice symptoms of hyperreflexia?

Are there other issues a spinal cord injury patient must be aware of?

Does physical therapy help a spinal cord injury patient?

Is joining a support group for me?

Should I exercise to help with arthritis pain management?

How common is arthritis?

Does arthritis affect other health concerns?

How does one cope with arthrits pain limitations?

What can I expect when I am out and about in a wheelchair?

What types of disabilities require the use of a wheelchair?

How can pressure sores be averted?

Do people with a short-term disability need a wheelchair?

Can cancer patients suffer from depression?

Are there anonymous ways of coping with cancer?

Does a cancer patient have to go to the doctor every day for medication?

Are there treatments to ease cancer symptoms?

Can prostate cancer kill?

What is a good way to relieve the stress of a terminal cancer patient's remaining time?

Is it possible to not be able to find the cause of chronic pain?

Should a person with chronic pain start an exercise program?

Can online chronic pain support groups help me?

Is lower back pain common?

Are there ways to control chronic pain?

What causes stroke?

What is involved in stroke recovery?

Do stroke patients recover completely?

Are online support groups helpful?

Are there drugs to help restore blood flow to the brain?

Are there certain types of foods that should be eliminated from the diet if someone has multiple sclerosis?

Does exercise help patients with multiple sclerosis?

Is multiple sclerosis curable?

Should I attend support group meetings?

Does MS drug therapyhelp?

Can Parkinson's Disease psychologically affect a person?

Can exercise help with Parkinson's Disease?

There are drugs to cope with the symptoms of Parkinson's--are there drugs to stop the progression?

Is there surgery for Parkinson's Disease?

Are there things a patient can do at home to help minimize the effects of Parkinson's?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Disability Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Byron White