People with lung cancer should never give up hope, say Dr. Claudia I. Henschke and Peggy McCarthy, authors of "Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices and Hope." Still, if you are like a lot of people with lung cancer, you may feel overwhelmed and frightened, and uncertain how to handle the stress of having a serious illness. Though the statistics may sound grim--lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the United States each year--there are things you can do at every stage of your illness to improve your chances and quality of life.
Step 1
Educate yourself about lung cancer and possible treatment options, the MayoClinic.com recommends. Taking charge and knowing what to expect at every stage of your treatment will help stave off the feelings of helplessness many people experience when diagnosed with cancer.
Step 2
Stay as active as you can to cope with a lung cancer diagnosis. Keep doing the things you enjoy doing, even if you can't give these activities all your energy or attention anymore. Staying engaged and including activities in your day that are fun and relaxing will give you the strength to keep fighting.
Step 3
Talk to a counselor, social worker or a religious or spiritual adviser if you feel overwhelmed. It can help to share your feelings with someone who has some emotional distance from the situation.
Step 4
Let go of any feelings of guilt. According to the American Cancer Society book, "Lung Cancer: What You Need to Know Now," guilt is a common reaction to a cancer diagnosis. Feelings of guilt or personal responsibility are often compounded by the fact that many people consider lung cancer a smoker's disease. Whether your cancer is due to a history of tobacco use or not, you need to move past your guilt in order to deal with your illness.
Step 5
Eat a balanced diet and get as much sleep as possible when you have lung cancer. Though you may find it difficult to eat and sleep well, CancerHelp UK says it is important to maintain your general health and energy levels to help ward off feelings of depression or anxiety.
Step 6
Maintain a positive attitude. While you need to stay realistic and prepare for the worst, don't dwell on the negative or let your imagination get the better of you. When a negative thought pops into your head, always check it against the actual facts of your situation.
Step 7
Find a lung cancer support group in your area. It may help you to talk to people who understand what you are going through, and who can share personal experiences and offer insight and support.
Tips and Warnings
- You may feel angry that you have lung cancer, but try not to take your feelings out on others. When you feel angry, hit a pillow, go for a walk or do something soothing like take a bath or get a massage. Get your affairs in order, advises Dr. Henschke and Peggy McCarthy. You may find it painful to write out a will or think about end of life issues, but getting your affairs in order may give you clarity and peace of mind.
- Your doctor may not know about every new clinical trial or treatment option--do your homework and seek a second opinion whenever possible. While it is normal to experience some denial following a cancer diagnosis, it is important to accept the truth as soon as possible so you can create a treatment plan. This article is intended as a general overview of how to cope when you have lung cancer and should not replace the advice of a qualified medical professional.
References
- "Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts Choices and Hope"; Dr. Claudia I. Henschke, Peggy McCarthy; 2002
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Lung Cancer Awareness
- MayoClinic.com: Lung Cancer: Coping and Support
- Caring Ambassadors: Lung Cancer: Coping with Lung Cancer
- CancerHelp UK: Managing Your Emotions
