There is no undermining the real and raw emotions that can come with a cancer diagnosis. Amid the spectrum, there are a number of common emotions that we see in the oncology realm.
No patient is the same. And when it comes to navigating the emotions of a cancer diagnosis, no one ever follows the same flow of emotions.
Fear is the frequent emotion that nearly all patients experience throughout a cancer journey — including leading up to and during a first appointment. It’s the fear of not knowing what exactly may be going on. The initial meeting with an oncologist can provide answers. This first meeting can dispel cancer myths and shed light onto new treatment innovation.
There are so many different types of cancer. Each cancer diagnosis is unique and carries a different prognosis. Some cancers have readily available curative treatments, whereas some may not even require treatment. Even for late stage cancers that are deemed incurable, many times new treatments may convert these diseases from “incurable” to something “chronic.” There is much hope with the development spanning clinical trials, immunotherapies and targeted therapies.
From an emotional and logistical standpoint, it’s helpful to have someone with you for your appointments, whether it is a family member or friend. There is so much information to absorb and having someone with you is great for keeping track of it all.
Some derive benefit from obtaining information prior to the initial consult. If so, information should be obtained from more reputable sources, like the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.net. Some do better with no information at all. The internet can be bewildering, and patients may end up with skewed information from non-trusted sources. It’s vital to find that right educational balance.
Some patients have found support groups to be incredibly beneficial. There unfortunately is no one-size-fits all approach to support groups, as folks have varying levels of comfort with those types of setting. A willingness to talk about one’s issues can also vary by a variety of demographical and cultural traits.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers has extended hours to accommodate varying schedules, an on-staff dietician, a team of social workers as well as an in-home nursing program to help patients navigate their unique scenarios. Among our social worker team’s many assets, they can help patients find the right support group, if that’s what they are seeking.
The oncologist-patient relationship is massive. Having a trusted physician and team on your side can not only help you physically, but emotionally as well.