The Psychological, Emotional, & Behavioral Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis

[@sjordan7085]

I had cancer, it was a relief to know what was wrong with me, so that I could deal with it. For at least three years I had been telling my doctor I was feeling really ill, all he did was stare at me, and said nothing. I was misdiagnosed twice a year apart. The medical profession cannot be trusted. I am lucky to be alive, it is a good thing that I always advocate for myself and question everything. Errors abound in every level of care where there is a window of opportunity for human error!

[@jacquelinebrooks1326]

I was diagnosed with covid and in ICU, that's when they found a nodule on my left lobe of my lung, lymph nodes enlarged, and it is very hard to feel the emotions of the possibility.

[@sjordan7085]

It is understandable that most people panic when diagnosed with cancer. I tend to treat it the same way I deal with any other issue in life: Because, now that I know what the challenge is, I can deal with it. What factors do I have control over that I can work on, be that, medical treatment choices, diet, exercise and removing toxins from my envionment, taking supplements and reading what others did to overcome their illness? There is a book called Radical Remission, you may find interesting. Even though my cancer risk is now 3% I still need to discipline myself when it comes to diet and riding my bike, both could always do with improvment. I need to fast more often and lose more weight. Instead of beating myself up, I take life one day at a time, and work on self-care, asking myself, "What would I like to do today that would bring me joy? " I feel much happier when I do that, chores will still be there tomorrow....lol Instead of putting off pleasure, I embrace it. Also, talking to a Psychologist who specializes in treating cancer patients, has proven very helpful in reinventing my life, coping with physical challenges, and anger. and showing gratitude by living with purpose, getting the most bang for the buck from the time I have left whatever that may be. Having 'danced with the Grim Reaper' more than a couple of times I tend to focus on living in the moment, prepare for the future, but don't waste time worrying about it. Time spent with family and nature can be very healing. I wish you the very best!