Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is a serious disease that can bring about a wealth of health concerns. Colon cancer, like other cancers, is diagnosed in stages. Generally, these stages range 1 through 4, with 4 being the most severe or widely spread throughout the body. When someone receives a stage 3 cancer diagnosis, it may be hard to cope with upcoming treatments, the unknowns and day-to-day living. A stage 3 diagnosis means the cancer has spread or metastasized to the lymph nodes throughout the body. Finding coping mechanisms will help patients work through their issues and look forward to their future.
Step 1
Ask your oncologist where you stand with your illness. Ask questions about what type of surgeries, if any, you will need to have, what kind of chemotherapy or radiation you will receive and what the overall prognosis is. Once you know where you stand, you can make arrangements for physical accommodations and assistance through the recovery process. Knowing exactly what to expect will help you to cope better with obstacles as they come along.
Step 2
Adhere to your oncologist's standing medical orders. Following directions through the recovery process will help you heal better and faster. Do not be afraid to contact the physician or a nurse with any questions about side effects to treatment or healing after a surgery. They are there to help; you do not have to go out on your own.
Step 3
Incorporate the assistance and help of family members and friends. Allow them to help by cooking dinner, taking care of children or other family members, running errands or providing much needed respite for your caregivers. This will help you to better cope with normal day-to-day activities.
Step 4
Seek support through local resources. This could mean attending support groups along with other patients who are also seeking medical care for their stage 3 colon cancer. The support group may also include those who have lost their hair or most of their colon through chemo and surgery. Learn how they cope with these changes in their lifestyles and find easier ways for you to make it through.
Step 5
Contact your local hospice. While you may or may not have received a terminal diagnosis from your oncologist, many non-profit hospice organizations still offer individual support and community resources to those who have a late stage diagnosis. They will often tell patients to come in and seek help before they become really sick so they can utilize support groups, transportation, counseling, education and even home care assistance programs.
Tips and Warnings
- For some people, writing down their feelings and struggles as they are battling the illness may help them cope with the pain and fear of the unknown that they are feeling about their future. Do not shut people out. Utilize all the help and support you can get from people you are close to.
- Never stop a medication or miss an important appointment. Stage 3 cancer is a serious stage; you do not want to run the risk of having the cancer spread further. If you experience overwhelming feelings of despair or depression, be sure to seek medical help immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
- Address book or contact list of family and friends
- Phone book
