1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Emotions and anxiety with a cancer diagnosis: How do you cope?

Posted by glendafl @glendafl, Dec 8, 2023

My emotions and anxiety along with ADHD since the diagnosis of cancer is extremely high.
I’m finding it hard to keep up with day to day stuff, not to mention all the treatments, etc.
What or how do we cope? I’m so tired and I still got to face radiation treatments. I go to counseling weekly and I’m ok a good part of the time. But I’m having trouble staying focused and emotionally charged all the time. Any suggestions?

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luciag | @luciag | Jan 19 1:22pm
In reply to @pml "Pray continually and ask God to help you through this difficult time. Also considering taking a..." + (show)
@pml

Pray continually and ask God to help you through this difficult time. Also considering taking a daily iron tablet to help with your low energy. I take two to three iron tablets a day. It helps keep my energy level up. Eat foods that you like and that make you feel good. My two favorites are steak and yogurt. (Not together.) I feel so much better when I've eaten either one. Eat natural foods as much as you can. Prepared foods have too many preservatives in them.
lbrock has some very good ideas also. Don't try and do everything at once.
Also, think about what is the worst outcome? Death. But then you will be in Heaven and in good health. You may have to leave loved ones down here for a while but they will eventually be up there too! Not everyone believes this but it's true. After all God sent his own son, Jesus to live on Earth as we do. Jesus died and then rose from the dead and went back up to Heaven. It states in the Bible that 500 people saw Jesus after he rose from the dead. (They couldn't all be lying.) So we know that Heaven is real and waiting for us.
Best wishes! I will say a prayer for you.
PML

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Thank you for these wise words. I needed to hear that today and be reminded that it is normal to feel overwhelmed by cancer, whatever form it may take. God is in control.

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1 reply
ssnlsh | @ssnlsh | Jan 20 7:14am

My ways of coping are being tested and aren’t holding up well to the test! A recent scan showed the cancer I had in 2022 could be back so I can relate to your anxiety! Hang in there 🥰

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joannwkempel | @joannwkempel | Jan 20 9:03am
In reply to @donnakatherine "I'm walking and hiking. It helps a lot. I also asked for a referral to a..." + (show)
@donnakatherine

I'm walking and hiking. It helps a lot. I also asked for a referral to a psychiatrist and got an Ativan prescription. I use it situationally, and it also helps a lot.

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Ativan helps me as well. It was a court issue of a legal matter. Now I have leukemia and sometimes I still get my head around it. I’m facing a stem cell transplant in two months and my stomach churns thinking about. But I know God is with me every step and I think about the other side of it and being with my new newest grandsons.

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3 replies
adohracapella | @adohracapella | Jan 20 1:07pm

Hi
You are doing your best
Set your intentions daily .
Take one day at a time
Have a list big picture then move it to a daily list
Tick it off when done This gives you the positive feelings if accomplishment
We are only human ❤️

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retireddoc | @retireddoc | Jan 20 4:42pm

Diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer 2 years ago just as I was retiring. At first I thought why me? Then, after more reflection, I thought why not me? I've lived 70 great years. Hopefully, more to go. What really gave me peace is becoming more spiritual and my relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Putting my life in perspective against the bigger picture of the Universe and eternity. That is what ultimately gave me solace.

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alive | @alive | Jan 21 4:14am
In reply to @joannwkempel "Ativan helps me as well. It was a court issue of a legal matter. Now I..." + (show)
@joannwkempel

Ativan helps me as well. It was a court issue of a legal matter. Now I have leukemia and sometimes I still get my head around it. I’m facing a stem cell transplant in two months and my stomach churns thinking about. But I know God is with me every step and I think about the other side of it and being with my new newest grandsons.

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I know exactly how you feel! I had a stem cell transplant for AML seven and a half years ago. Between induction and consolidation chemo and all the other complications, it’s a challenging journey. Hang in there! It was a rough trip for me, but I am well, working full-time, walking 10,000 steps a day and enjoying my four grandkids!

God has also been on this journey with me. I’m glad your faith is keeping you strong! You are welcome to message me if you want to chat more about the transplant experience or any other questions you may have.

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1 reply
joannwkempel | @joannwkempel | Jan 21 8:04am
In reply to @alive "I know exactly how you feel! I had a stem cell transplant for AML seven and..." + (show)
@alive

I know exactly how you feel! I had a stem cell transplant for AML seven and a half years ago. Between induction and consolidation chemo and all the other complications, it’s a challenging journey. Hang in there! It was a rough trip for me, but I am well, working full-time, walking 10,000 steps a day and enjoying my four grandkids!

God has also been on this journey with me. I’m glad your faith is keeping you strong! You are welcome to message me if you want to chat more about the transplant experience or any other questions you may have.

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Thank you @alive. I’d like to get your views on the process.

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marylou329 | @marylou329 | Jan 21 10:01am
In reply to @joannwkempel "Ativan helps me as well. It was a court issue of a legal matter. Now I..." + (show)
@joannwkempel

Ativan helps me as well. It was a court issue of a legal matter. Now I have leukemia and sometimes I still get my head around it. I’m facing a stem cell transplant in two months and my stomach churns thinking about. But I know God is with me every step and I think about the other side of it and being with my new newest grandsons.

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I am facing a stem cell transplant in a couple of months as well. I am very nervous and I know it won't be easy, but I have God on my side. I try to surrender my sickness to God and know that He will take care of everything. Some days are easier than others.

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1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jan 21 10:07am
In reply to @marylou329 "I am facing a stem cell transplant in a couple of months as well. I am..." + (show)
@marylou329

I am facing a stem cell transplant in a couple of months as well. I am very nervous and I know it won't be easy, but I have God on my side. I try to surrender my sickness to God and know that He will take care of everything. Some days are easier than others.

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Hi @marylou329 I’m here to help you through that stem cell transplant. There are several of us who have had either Allogenic transplants using donor cells or autogenic transplants using their own cells. I’d love to get you “connected” with the right new friends to hold your hand along your new path.

What type of transplant are you having?

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marylou329 | @marylou329 | Jan 21 10:16am

I will be having an Allogenic transplant from a Donor. I would love to be connected with someone who has been through it. Thank you for your quick response.

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