When you first get diagnosed with cancer the days that follow can feel like a complete whirlwind. Not only are you trying to process your emotions about the diagnosis, but your head might be swirling with questions, and you may also be navigating how to break the news to loved ones. Therefore, it’s understandable if you feel anxious and overwhelmed.
In this article, Perci Health professional and cancer specialist nurse Chloe Cruickshank, who has supported many individuals following a cancer diagnosis, gives simple pre-treatment advice for the early days after a cancer diagnosis.
Before treatment, Chloe’s key advice is to take everything back to basics. Try not to absorb anything and everything in terms of information as it won’t necessarily be accurate and may add to your feelings of worry and overwhelm. In addition to this, Chloe promotes focusing on your well-being and being consistent with healthy habits to help you get through the period between diagnosis and your treatment commencing.
So, when it comes to what to do when you first get diagnosed with cancer, Chloe recommends the following three things:
1. Establish your person of contact
Identify who your clinical point of contact will be throughout your treatment. This person is likely to be a Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS) and they will be able to answer any questions you might have. What’s more, they’ll be able to tell you what to expect and give you guidance and information that is tailored specifically to your diagnosis, circumstances, and treatment plan.
Your CNS will want to know more about you and find out details about your life such as your family, work, the things you enjoy doing and what’s important to you. Having this knowledge will allow them to be proactive in giving advice at each stage, especially when it comes to reducing anxiety, processing emotions, and dealing with the side effects of treatment.
Once you have established this relationship with your CNS, you might want to consider talking to your employer about your diagnosis (if you have one). There’s no obligation to tell them about your health status or treatment but letting them know can widen your support network and alleviate any worry you may have about how you are going to juggle your job and appointments.
2. Find out which cancer charities can give you relevant advice and support
There’s no question that there is a wealth of information available online and elsewhere, but it can be hard to know where to start. Wading through pages of Google search results isn’t always helpful and can be draining on both your emotions and time. It’s also important to recognise that everyone’s experience of cancer is different and so reading the stories of other patients won’t necessarily provide you with facts.
Instead, it’s worth asking your medical team about the dedicated charities and organisations that are available for you to engage with. Talk to your CNS about what type of information and support you are looking for so they can give you appropriate recommendations.
For example, they might be able to signpost you to a charity that is for the specific type of cancer you have been diagnosed with, offers in-person support groups, or has moderated online chat rooms.
3. Practise good health habits
Lastly and most importantly, Chloe reminds you to give yourself grace. Receiving the news, you have cancer is never easy, emotions can be very raw, and everyone reacts differently. Allow yourself to process how you feel in a way that serves you and don’t be afraid to talk about your thoughts.
In addition to your mental health, it’s also beneficial to take steps that will promote lasting and consistent healthy habits. This prehabilitation can not only allow you to feel more in control of your health but also help you recover more quickly after treatment sessions.
- Aim to get 7-8 of quality sleep every night. If needed, establish a routine that helps you wind down ready for bed such as switching off electronic devices and dimming the lights.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated and try to drink 2-3 litres of water per day. A good fluid intake increases cell repair in the body and prevents dehydration which can lead to dizziness and difficulty concentrating, both of which can make getting through the day feel more challenging.
- Try to eat a varied diet rich in protein and fruits and vegetables. Include sources of carbohydrates and dairy, and limit your intake of alcohol.
Perci Health has a range of cancer support types that can help those impacted by cancer deal with its physical, psychological, and emotional effects. Their virtual clinics provide access to friendly and professional cancer specialists from the comfort of your own home and can be scheduled at a time that suits you.
