Whether dealing with skin cancer, lung cancer or mesothelioma, dealing with the uncertainty of this disease can be terrible. Even if you are in remission from your cancer, there is always the uncertainty of whether or not it will ever come back. Knowing that your cancer might appear again in your body can be extremely terrifying. However, it is important not to focus entirely on what may or may not happen. You have to learn ways to deal with the uncertainty of cancer so that you can live a normal and healthy life. Here are five ways that can help you deal with the uncertainty of cancer.
Dealing with the uncertainty of cancer can leave you feeling very stressed, so you have to learn some relaxation techniques to calm yourself down. For example, you can practice deep breathing exercises. When you are in a quiet room, breathe in very deeply and fill your stomach with air. Then, slowly let the air out by exhaling. Doing deep breathing exercises should help relax you.
It is a good idea to eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet will not only help you feel better; it will also improve your health and may prevent certain cancers from coming back. For example, breast cancer is more likely to reoccur in women who are obese and do not consume many fruits and vegetables. Make sure to fill your diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Try to limit your consumption of junk foods like pizza, chips and cake.
Although exercising is not proven to prevent or cure cancer, it can still reduce your anxiety, improve your mood and reduce symptoms of nausea, fatigue and pain. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day. Do activities you enjoy like walking, biking or yoga. If you start to feel tired or weak as you are exercising, you should stop until you feel better.
There is no shame in seeking therapy if you are worried about your cancer. Talking to a professional counselor can help you express your feelings and learn how to cope with your anxiety. A counselor can help you gain control of your life and teach you different ways to deal with your cancer. You can also consider going to a support group meeting so that you can be around others who know how you feel.
It is important to get enough rest at night. Allowing your body to sleep at least eight hours each night will help you recover from stressful events so that you feel better.
Dealing with cancer will not always be easy, but it does not have to make your life miserable. If you follow these tips, you will feel better about yourself and worry less about the uncertainty of cancer.
