A cancer diagnosis can come with little warning. Whether you’ve been experiencing slight pain or you just went in for your annual check-up, a quick trip to the doctor’s office can end in a life-changing diagnosis that turns your world upside down.
While you may feel stunned by the shock of the cancer diagnosis itself, now is not the time to turn complacent and let others decide your fate. You must take action and be ready to approach cancer head-on. With the right guidance, information, and support, you’ll be able to not only overcome cancer but prevent it in the future.
Below, I’ll be providing a list of my tips on what to do when diagnosed with cancer.
What to Do When Diagnosed With Cancer
Taking your first step along your cancer journey can unleash a whirlwind of emotions. By following the tips below, you’ll be able to find the right kind of guidance and supportive care you need for your unique situation.
Conduct Research & Get the Facts
Once your doctor gives you a diagnosis, you then may have to go on a tour to different specialized doctors and radiologists to fully confirm your diagnosis. At this point, your doctor will likely recommend a specific treatment plan that involves some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Before you commit, take some time to conduct your research.
Once you have received your concrete cancer diagnosis, the first thing you should do is understand the type of cancer you have. During this time, try to refrain from looking on the internet as this can lead to more confusion. Start by talking to your doctor and asking for your accurate diagnosis in writing. It is your right and the doctor is obligated to give you this information when diagnosed with cancer. Once you know the type of cancer, the stage, the origin, and other important information, you can then take your search online.
Whether it’s breast cancer or lung cancer, conduct your research carefully so you can better understand your diagnosis when talking to doctors and treatment specialists. When researching, be sure to only pull information from reputable sources. Also check out your local community to see if they have a cancer league representative that you can talk to. The internet is flooded with false information and outlandish claims, making it difficult to know who’s right and who’s wrong within the industry. Talk to your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a cancer coach to gain a greater understanding of not only your cancer type but your unique case as well. Consider reading books on your specific type of cancer as well so you can further educate yourself.
Understand Your Treatment Options Available
After you feel that you have gained a better understanding of your particular illness, take the time to research the different treatment options available. While most doctors will take a one-size-fits-all approach by recommending chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiation therapy, do your outside research to see if there are other forms of treatment available for your type of cancer.
Now, this doesn’t mean to completely disregard your healthcare professional either. Just remember that the more informed you are, the better you’ll be able to make decisions for yourself and your health. Consider every angle to your cancer treatment and try to avoid following your doctor blindly without researching yourself. Are there more natural treatments that can help with your specific cancer? Are there therapies you can do in the early stages of cancer that are less invasive? Ask yourself these important questions before committing to any form of treatment.
Listen to that inner voice and let it help guide you to the right treatment plan for you. Do you have a strong feeling about choosing one form of treatment over another? Do not turn off or try to silence your intuition during this time. Embrace what that inner voice is telling you and let that help guide your decisions.
Also, remember that you can always combine or supplement your treatment with other healing methods as well. If you’ve decided to go with the cancer treatment that your doctor recommended, consider supplementing it with your holistic cancer healing as well. Choosing to work with an integrative doctor is also highly suggested, as these professionals will be able to recommend natural supplements to help assist your allopathic treatments. From there, you can further supplement your treatment by working with a cancer coach who can recommend you dietary supplements and other supportive treatments. You have the power of your health. Don’t get lost in your fear and let others dictate your path to health.
Find a Partner
No one should ever have to face a cancer diagnosis alone. That’s why if you find yourself in this position, it is absolutely essential that you start building your support team. While this may mean reaching out to friends and family, you could also try reaching out to a cancer survivor in your circle who has already gone through the journey themselves.
If you are worried that you may be burdening family or friends or do not feel comfortable having them involved, you can always bring in a cancer coach or cancer support group. In fact, having a neutral person to turn to is a wise idea for anyone along the cancer journey. This person does not have the interests of the doctor or the emotions of close family and friends. They can help you think clearly and provide you with an unbiased opinion. Plus, working with a cancer coach provides you with a safe space where you can express yourself freely without influence from your family and friends. A cancer coach is a coaching professional that can help you make informed decisions on your treatment and wellness, while also being there to serve as your support system at any moment along your journey.
In some cases, you may feel empowered and motivated by talking to other cancer survivors as well. A cancer support group brings together individuals from all over who are at different stages of the cancer journey. Here you gain valuable insight on people’s personal experiences with cancer and find the support you need from others who are on a similar journey to wellness.
Consider a Second Option
Cancer treatment should not be an all-encompassing approach. One doctor may have a different opinion than the other. As a cancer patient, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion about your cancer care and treatment. A second healthcare professional may be able to shed light on other treatment methods that provide you with greater insight into your current state. Getting a second opinion from a different healthcare professional can also help you feel more confident with your treatment plan.
Investing In Your Wellness
Cancer can take a mental, physical, and spiritual toll on your entire being. Don’t be afraid to address the changes and talk to a professional. Going through cancer can especially be a trying time for your emotional and spiritual state. Prioritize your mental health and make time to practice deep self-care during this trying time by talking to a psychotherapist or cancer coach.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
If you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, take a moment to reflect on your current diet and exercise routine. Now is the perfect time to evaluate your current health and wellness and make adjustments where needed. If you don’t know how to support your body during treatment, consult with a cancer coach, a naturopath, or a nutrition specialist who specializes in cancer patients. These professionals can help you change your diet to repress the cancer within your body and also support your immune system while going through treatment.
For example, if you’ve never been one that enjoys physical activity, now is the time to start. Just 30 minutes of light exercise a day can make all the difference in your overall health. If you are just getting started, begin with activities that you enjoy doing but can also help you break a sweat. Dancing, hiking, and walking are all great forms of exercise that will help you get moving and get your blood flow pumping. Once you are comfortable with this level of physical activity, you can then work your way up to more challenging exercises.
Another aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is controlling your stress levels. How much stress is your body absorbing daily? What are the common triggers that lead to stressful situations? Stress can have a major impact on the growth of cancer cells, which is why it is essential to reduce it as much as possible. Deep breathing and meditation are two techniques that can greatly reduce or even eliminate feelings of stress.
It’s no secret that a healthy diet plays a major role in your overall health. While people who eat healthy can still get a cancer diagnosis, following a clean diet can help your body run how it should and lower your risk of many illnesses. If you want to learn how to starve cancer, you have to start following a clean and mostly raw diet. Stop eating processed foods, refined sugars, gluten, alcohol, dairy products, and red meat. Remember, your body is currently in a state of shock and imbalance. To heal yourself, you need to support your body and give it time to regain strength at a cellular level. By learning how to support your immune system through food, you’ll be able to help your body reset and operate how it should.
Work With a Cancer Coach
No one should ever have to face cancer on their own. Whether you are looking for that extra support or you want to talk to someone who has been through the cancer journey themselves, a cancer coach can make all the difference for both your mental and physical state.
While you shouldn’t forgo your oncologist completely, a cancer coach can assist you and help you make the best decisions for your unique situation. Remember, most cancer care teams will just go straight for the aggressive treatment approach by recommending surgery, radiation therapy, or chemo. A cancer coach helps you view all your different options, informs you about different treatments available, finds your passion in life, and guides you to take hold of your health. Whether you have breast cancer or pancreatic cancer, this type of health coach will always be there to provide you with the support and guidance you need.
In Conclusion
If you have just been diagnosed with cancer and don’t know where to turn, I can help you set a clear path to recovery. Cancer is different for everyone, which means every client I work with has a unique healing plan, goals, and objectives they want to reach. While it’s always important to talk to a healthcare team to learn about your cancer, you have to remember that it is still your body and your decisions.
As a trusted cancer coach, I provide supportive care throughout the entire cancer journey. Within my 1-1 cancer coaching, there are many ways we can work together to improve your wellness and recovery. Not only will my sessions cover the physical body and alternative cancer treatment options, but we will also discuss your mental and spiritual goals as well and create a plan on how to achieve them.
If you’re ready to take your health into your own hands, now is the perfect time to start working with a cancer coach. Reach out to me today and we’ll find a cancer coaching program that’s right for you!
