The cancer is, for many, the disease most feared of the world . It is not only because of the long-term mortality rate that it has, but also because of the great ignorance that exists around it; it is believed that when there is a diagnosis of cancer, this means that death is certain. But nothing is further from the truth. The scientific advances that are taking place today are such that it is much easier than before to face a disease of this type. Still, all coping with the disease is quite complicated; from the time of diagnosis itself to chemotherapy and all subsequent treatment. Today we are going to focus on that first moment: the moment of diagnosis, and the need to digest the news that comes later.

If you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, regardless of the type, you already know very well that the first thing that comes with this thought is ” why me? ” It is the most common question, and it is what practically all patients think at first, so do not worry. It is normal to feel fear , sadness and even anxiety; Do not be fooled, although it is true that you will need to be strong, you can also accept and understand all these feelings, because they are part of you. Being afraid of pain, of the possible outcome … There is nothing more human than that! You will have good days, bad days and incredible days, and while you will enjoy the second and third, you will also want to cry in the first ones, and absolutely nothing will happen.

So the first step is to accept that you are human and that, as such, you are afraid of what might happen if you become seriously ill . Your emotions are part of you, and you must open yourself to them so that you can control them, and they do not control you. It sounds much easier than it is, but for this you can count on a specific psychology team in the hospital where you are treating, who will know how to give you all the necessary support. Do not hesitate to ask for help : it is normal that you need it.

Doctors are not your enemies

After having assimilated the news as well as possible, you must understand, in turn, that the entire medical team that surrounds you will work solely and exclusively to improve your health and achieve a future for you . Collaborate with them as much as possible, try to communicate in the best way you know and, above all, do not hide information from them. If something hurts, bothers you, or you notice any secondary symptoms, no matter how minor it may seem to you, let them know. Nobody better than the professionals to manage any derived problem with your health.

You must trust them, understand that they will be part of your environment for some time . When it’s all over, you can say goodbye if that’s what you really want. Or you can visit them and have coffee with them. That will be something you will decide later.

Try to make your stay in the hospital, and your coping with cancer in general, as pleasant as possible. Of course it won’t be pleasant! Cancer is never a pretty thing, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your world, neither physically nor psychologically. Your body will take care of the more material part, but you must be strong enough to deal with the mental part ; Only by working as a team will you get everything to end.

Many specialists have commented, after working with cancer patients, that coping with the disease is much harder than the disease itself. Because the treatments may sometimes be painful, but if you are psychologically stable it will be easier for you to continue with everything.

Surround yourself with all your friends and family

In addition to supporting you in the medical team, it is also good that it is your closest circle that helps you with coping. You need, right now more than ever, to be loved, supported and understood. And no one better than your friends and family to do it just the way you deserve. But, in addition, you must be able to understand yourself. It is essential that you have psychological treatment at all times, since the emotional consequences that such a disease can leave is very important.

If you see someone in your family sinking, try to understand them: your situation is difficult, but so is his. Just as you are afraid, that person is also afraid, with the addition that he knows that he can do absolutely nothing to help you, because that is something that only depends on the medical treatment and the evolution of the cancer itself. You will have to fight together, side by side, in order to overcome all the problems that may possibly come.

Get informed, express yourself and take care of yourself

To know what you will have to face, the best thing you can do is try to inform yourself as much as possible about your disease , what it implies and the whole process that you will have to go through. Surely that will relax you, because you will be able to see it for what it really is: the treatment against a disease. But don’t do your own research on internet blogs that may be unreliable; Either look for sources that you can contrast, or go directly to your medical team, who will surely be willing to help you in everything you need.

But, in addition, you should try to express everything you feel : say if you are sad, if you are afraid, if you are angry. This is not a sign of being weak, but of being human. You can write, you can draw, you can talk to someone you trust, or you can just listen to music and reflect, if you prefer that. These are ways to take care of yourself, and they will be essential to feel comfortable in your skin at such a crucial time. Also, try to enjoy something every day, even if it is small. A meal, a television program, a loved one … Love yourself, because you deserve it. And if you see that you need something from others, try to communicate it in the best possible way.

And above all: don’t panic . If you see that it can with you, ask for help, tell about it, do not be afraid. Cancer has a cure today.