Whenever someone is diagnosed with cancer ninety nine percent of the time, the reaction of the individuals is the same. There is a sense of shock followed by a phase of asking ‘Why Me’ and then a resigned acceptance. After this stage comes the most crucial stage which is the stage where one decides for him self or herself as to how he is going to face the situation and manage it. This is the time when one takes stock of one’s responsibilities, relationships, duties and financial situation and finally decides how one wants to go about managing a new lifestyle and fight the battle. The mental make up of the person too plays an important role in this decision of how the individual is going to face the situation. There are many who whatever their age or stage of cancer be look at life as something to be lived full and completely and go on to enjoy every moment. They revaluate their relationships and work towards making them more meaningful. The disease and the outcome has little or no effect on their attitude which is Never say Die attitude. Then there are those who loose the battle even before beginning the fight. They are very fatalistic and pessimistic in their mental makeup and hence give up at the slightest opportunity. They do not put up a fight to oust the enemy and battle cancer. Instead they give in.

Whatever be the mental makeup certain things remain true that the patient has to face and learn to manage. Let us quickly look at what are the important areas that one needs to look into and sort out things.

First and foremost it is important for you as the patient to know all about your disease, the current condition, the course of treatment being followed. You should read up all about the particular kind of cancer that you have been diagnosed with and get to know all details that are available. You should also be aware of all possibilities of treatments and the reasons why your doctors have chosen a particular course of treatment. For example for women who are tested EH+ positive breast cancer, the doctors are likely to first put them on a course of Novaldex which acts as the Estrogen receptor inhibitor thereby cutting off the estrogen supply to the cancer cells. Without this supply of estrogen the cancer cells get destroyed. Knowledge of what the medication is supposed to do to the disease will make you more confident to go through with it.

Secondly re look at your life and start looking at things with new perspective. Learn to enjoy whatever life has to offer. What ever you had wanted to learn or do, you should now take it up. Spend time catching up on reading, talking with friends and reconnecting with them or doing gardening etc. Do not feel sorry for yourself. There is no time in life for that. Spend you time in learning to be fit and enjoying yourself.

Third most important thing is to be connected to a cancer support group. Though you feel that you have your family that is supportive and then there are your friends, what you get from connecting with people who have walked through the same path is something very valuable for you. You will be able to get a lot of emotional support and experience as well as confidence from the people who have fought and won. Hearing their success stories and meeting up with them can give you all the courage required to face this battle by yourself.

Now look at your finances and review the status of your health insurance. Should you need more funds for treatment, do not panic. There are many NGO and other agencies connected with the hospital that can help you to make up for the shortfall.

Last but not the least; renew your relationship with God if you have forgotten him all these days. Learn to pray to him from the bottom of your heart and always remember and know that he is always watching over you at all times.