1. Reduce the Stress of Fighting Cancer
It's natural to feel anger, aggression and stress while fighting cancer. However, don't let the disease beat you down. Remain positive, communicate your feelings and eat a balanced diet. Get plenty of rest and avoid using alcohol and other drugs as an escape. Employ deep-breathing techniques to relieve stress. Take measured, deep breaths to calm your mind while directing your thoughts into pleasant, tension-reducing channels. Zero in on areas of your body that contain tension and mentally release it as you exhale. It may take a few minutes for you to achieve a relaxed state, but once you master this technique, you can use it daily.
2. Seek Counseling and Support
Social workers and support groups are sources of understanding and compassion. It is important for you to draw on the strength and support of other people as you fight colorectal cancer; talking regularly with other people affected by the disease can be educational and inspirational. If you live alone, you probably qualify for access to social support services. Social workers can direct you to help programs, treatment resources and coping forums in which you can get secondary support while you recover.
3. Adjusting to a Stoma
Often, doctors must remove all or part of the colon to expunge the disease. This procedure will require the insertion of a stoma into your body. A stoma is a tunnel created in your intestine to facilitate the expulsion of solid waste after colon removal. An occupational therapist or home-care nurse can help you cope with this change by assisting you with the use of the stoma and colostomy bag. In some cases, the colon may later be reattached and the stoma closed off, permitting you to return to your natural means of expelling waste from your body.
4. Stay Active
Colorectal cancer patients should remain active throughout their treatment. Continue working if you feel well. Remember that you are not obligated to disclose medical conditions to your employer and that you have recourse available if you want to continue working throughout your cancer treatment but your employer forbids it. Exercise regularly, as directed by your doctor, and eat a healthy diet. While colon cancer will make following your normal diet difficult, eat as many whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats as you can while cutting back on sugar, saturated fat and processed foods. It's vital for your emotional well-being that you feel as unaffected as possible by your condition.
