| You just heard the words: You have cancer. | | | | Sometimes those you love most are unable to |
| Maybe the news was given callously. Perhaps the | | | | give emotional support. Find a support group. You |
| news was given gently. Hopefully, it was given | | | | need survivors to talk to so you can feel hope. A |
| gently and you had someone with you. | | | | support group is where you will find survivors. A |
| No matter how you heard the news, you were | | | | support group will also provide people who have |
| probably preparing yourself. You knew something | | | | experienced the fight for survival. You need |
| was wrong. Perhaps you had even been delaying | | | | someone who can relate to your feelings |
| going to the doctor to find out if . . . | | | | experientially, not just technically. |
| Leaving the office in a state of shock is normal. | | | | Battling chronic disease often surfaces spiritual |
| The doctor you saw has delivered this news | | | | issues. Someone in your support group, a social |
| hundreds of times. You have, hopefully, only | | | | worker, a chaplain may give you suggestions on |
| heard it once. If this was not your first time | | | | who to talk with. Search the WEB for chat rooms |
| hearing the news, you are probably sitting in | | | | and forums that apply to you and your situation. |
| greater shock, feeling even more helpless, than | | | | You'll be blessed if you have one family member |
| the first time. | | | | or one friend who can be your sounding board |
| There are many decisions to make. Listen to your | | | | during this time. Sometimes, those you have |
| doctor. Consult other health care professionals. | | | | counted on all your life are not the best ones to |
| Search the WEB for information. Ask for help. | | | | support you now. As difficult as your feelings are |
| Allow yourself to be supported by those who | | | | at this time, theirs are also difficult. You're fear |
| care about you. | | | | may be of dying, not being able to for yourself, |
| The doctors, nurses and technicians will take care | | | | of leaving those you love. Their fear may be of |
| of your body. You need to find caring people to | | | | losing you and of watching you in pain. |
| support your mind, heart and emotions. | | | | The pain on both sides is great. That's why |
| Right now, you may feel numb. Numbness is the | | | | support groups, in person or on the WEB, are |
| natural result of shock. It is the initial way the | | | | important. You can share your feelings and have |
| body-mind prepares itself for the onslaught of the | | | | some emotional distance at the same time. |
| emotions to follow. | | | | Cancer, or any chronic disease, is not something |
| You will soon have so many emotions you will | | | | to face alone. There are people who can and |
| have difficulty identifying them. You will find it | | | | want to help you. If your family and friends can't |
| helpful to have someone you trust to share those | | | | help you, find a support group or health care |
| emotions. Friends and family members who allow | | | | professional who can. There are people who not |
| you to talk openly and honestly about your | | | | only know how to support you, but want to |
| feelings are wonderful supports. | | | | support you. |