Coping with a Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

You have been informed by your doctor that you have lung cancer-and suddenly everything feels so unreal and quite lonely. You are not alone, and in one hugely significant way, you are in luck: your experience will gain you more dimension and depth than most will ever hope to develop in a lifetime. Your mind is precious to the world. There are ways to take advantage of this chance at personal growth

1) Financial relief:

Money alone can make a person ill. Free your mind of this source of anxiety-as soon as possible.

2) Support Groups:

Humans are social beings and receiving a diagnosis like lung cancer can immediately inflict a sense of alienation that can loom like that rainy cloud over Eeyore. If you are feeling a bit anxious, start with Internet chat and blog groups then progress to organized group therapy sessions.

3) Knowledge is Power:

Learn about your condition by researching academic sources of information. Stress can accumulate with fear of the unknown; reduce this stress by reading up on your condition. Know what symptoms to expect and they wont seem so daunting if they do occur. Your knowledge can also help others struggling with lung cancer. Become familiar with medical nomenclature that you might encounter in the doctor's office.

4) Find the right hospital

It is important to choose a hospital has a special unit for lung cancer. A general hospital might not have the technology or training specific to your needs. Make sure the environment is comfortable for you.

5) Find the right doctor

Your doctor should be accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Ask to see his or her credentials.

6) Traditional Treatments

If chemotherapy is needed, do not look at it as an intervention on your life. Trust your doctors and give yourself permission to rest. Be aware of the side-effects and things will be easier.

7) Alternative treatments

Alternative treatments are meant to relieve side-effects and symptoms from chemotherapy and the cancer itself-they are not a cure. Acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional substances, and cognitive techniques such as biofeedback, meditation, and spiritual healing can help you progress much faster with recommended traditional medical treatments. Always ask your doctor before starting any sort of alternative treatment.

8) Know yourself

Keep a journal and get to know what makes you feel good, bad, unhappy, happy... you will gain control if you can predict your patterns. This is a good practice for anyone and an immensely beneficial practice for you as you adjust to your new lifestyle.

9) Be yourself:

When around others that are not experiencing the same struggles as yourself, don't feel the need to deny that you are sometimes fatigued or sad. Let them in on what is happening. Loved ones are understanding and can usually tell when something is not right. Trying to act as though you are feeling fine when you aren't can wreak havoc on your system.

10) Find a psychologist

You might be confronting issues that are not centered around your condition even if the nature of your diagnosis might be what has brought these issues to the surface. Find a psychologist that you are comfortable talking to about relationships, memories, interests etc. He or she might help you keep a big picture perspective on life even if your condition seems to be taking over.

Your diagnosis can mark the start of the sort of fulfilling life that is only triggered upon crisis. Nurture your mind and it can only do good for your body.