Finding out you have a terminal disease or something that has a chance of getting worse is one of the most challenging times in your medical history. You might feel angry towards yourself for the lack of care you have practised all your life, a case of despair because anything is possible despite being healthy, or you also feel sad because of the people who will dedicate their time and effort to you. The key is to manage everything properly when the cancer doctor in Singapore breaks this news.
Most patients fail to do the right things when coping after the cancer doctor tells them this disappointing news or after receiving the test results from the laboratory. Our purpose is not to play the blame game or make it seem you are making mistakes. Instead, let us help you manage this situation with the right mix of being hopeful and accepting whatever may arise. If you are in this situation, explore this article for some helpful tips.
#1: CALM DOWN AND DO NOT PANIC
Did the cancer doctor break the news about your condition just now? Or have you received your test results from the laboratory and opened the email while working in the morning? These things can be overwhelming at first, and emotions can be a mixture. You might feel angry towards yourself coupled with an unhealthy blame game, disappointed because you have a condition despite being healthy, or even feeling sorry for your children or anyone relying on you.
The first, and starting step, should be to calm down and avoid panicking. Receiving news that you have a condition is not a usual occurrence in your daily life, but remember that there are solutions for your problem, such as getting cancer treatment in Singapore or beginning this journey by talking to your oncologist. Second, if your emotions are at their highest, these feelings are always valid as long as you are not hurting anyone else or yourself.
#2: CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
No one is clueless enough to skip this step, but visiting your cancer doctor more often is one way to cope. First, they will propose solutions for your problem. It can be rounds of radiation therapy in Singapore that suits your health or surgery to try to prevent things from getting worse. Second, they serve as an avenue or a person with whom you can share things. Are you feeling tired or burnt out because of your condition alongside your personal life? They can help you with those things.
When consulting with your specialist, always be open about your health and other relevant matters. However, keep in mind the limitations because they cannot address, for example, your mental health problems or anything else that is beyond their expertise. (Tip: Ask the oncology doctor if they have recommendations for keeping your mental health in check. One example is a psychiatrist or support groups in the hospital.)
#3: JOIN SUPPORT GROUPS
A support group is a cancer treatment that does not happen in the hospital operating room. These things touch what most people overlook: Your valuable mental health. For starters, these are round-table meetings where patients can talk about their struggles, connect, and build an emotional bond in times of distress. It also works for people who have no one to rely on because their family and friends might be busy, or they want a deeper understanding that non-patients cannot offer.
You would often hear privacy concerns or social anxiety when joining a support group because people have different personalities and ways of interacting with others. However, there is nothing to worry about because there is a moderator or leader who maintains a peaceful flow of conversation. They can be a mental health professional or an oncology doctor assigned by the facility. You can also assure that whatever happens in the discussion stays there.
#4: BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Despite the idea that family and friends might not be able to give empathy because they do not understand the struggle, these people can still serve their purpose. First, you can always ask them for help or a shoulder to lean on. During these times, you become appreciative of people and what they give, big or small. Second, they can offer something the cancer doctor cannot: An emotional connection and the bond you have always shared.
Do not worry too much about their lack of understanding or empathy only because they are not cancer patients. Your life would be so much better if you join support groups and seek help from people you already trust and know. There are many things to do aside from visiting the hospital for your regular cancer treatment in Singapore. You have family and friends to rely on!
#5: BE HOPEFUL AND REALISTIC AT THE SAME TIME
Doing radiation therapy in Singapore is one solution to this problem, but it does not work in all cases. Despite the possibility of surviving, some people might experience worsening cases or the departure from the physical world that scares everyone. However, people should have the right mindset that revolves around a healthy balance between realistic and hopeful. It means giving equal attention to the idea of succeeding and failing, and no one is at fault when things go wrong.
How does one adopt this mindset? First, realise that there can be two outcomes in your cancer and treatment situation. There is a possibility of surviving, and the oncology doctor will do everything to achieve this goal, but there is also a chance of worsening things despite taking all necessary measures. Second, having this right mix of feelings promotes a healthy coping mechanism and prepares you for whatever outcome that may arise.
Your cancer treatment journey in Singapore will be challenging at times because of the stress, mental health problems, and the feeling of hopelessness. However, there is no reason for you to feel these things when you follow the tips above. Also, medical professionals like Dr Johann Tang, an oncology doctor, are there to help their patients during this time. Visit their website for more information.