Perhaps the greatest truism that can’t be overstated islife is stressful. We all have unique worries and stressors that impact us in various ways: careers, children, significant others, family, money, and health. A cancer diagnosis, and subsequently being treated for cancer, exacerbates all of these stressors. As one of your normal sources of worry becomes the daily subject of your life, all of the other life worries become heightened and linger. Your treatment is nearing completion or is finished, but the new normal of heightened worry and stress is not ceasing. In fact, it might be worse, because now you might be exhausted and may have lost interest in hobbies and activities that used to bring you great joy. How do you know if what you’re feeling is “normal”?
All your feelings related to your cancer diagnosis (or your post-cancer life) are valid and normal. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) a collaboration of cancer centers that establish the standards for cancer care recently endorsed this very sentiment in their newest Guidelines for Survivorship, released at their annual conference in March.
The NCCN Survivorship Guidelines model the optimal goal for all organizations providing primary and supportive care. These guidelines, in particular, embody a holistic approach to cancer care, which includes psychosocial and emotional support.
One in four adults with cancer will experience symptoms of depression. The cancer supportive services staff at PearlPoint Cancer Support is here to help guide you through your fears and concerns about having or having had cancer. Our cancer support professionals, including licensed oncology social workers, can discuss feelings that you may be having as a cancer survivor or co-survivor and how best to convey these anxieties and worries to your health care team. PearlPoint is your sounding post of support for your emotional health and well-being. We’re here to listen to your worries about cancer and to provide you resources to ease your woes and calm your mind.
| Blog Author: Megan O’Roark |
