Dealing With a Colon Cancer Diagnosis

A colon cancer diagnosis can trigger new and difficult emotions. As the disease’s symptoms progress, you may also experience changes within your body that affect your confidence and self-esteem. You might feel depressed, anxious, sad, scared or even numb. All of these responses are normal, but there are ways to cope. With a dedicated support system and the assistance of your RCCA team, you can face your emotions and overcome these struggles. RCCA will be there every step of the way to explain your options and treatment plan and assist you in any way possible.

How to Cope After Diagnosis

In many ways, confronting a colon cancer diagnosis is like coping with many other problems in life. Each individual has to find a way of coping that works best for him or her. As you search for your optimal coping method, here are some techniques to consider:

• Attend therapy sessions or support groups in your area. Talking through your feelings with a professional or a group of people who have had similar experiences can be helpful. Supporting others and being supported in return can be valuable during this time.
• Reach out to loved ones for support. Your family and close friends can be among your most trusted confidants during this period. They can listen to your feelings, help you work through treatment options, attend appointments with you, and provide comfort by sharing quality time.
• Exercise and meditate. Exercising, yoga, meditation and other similar practices can boost both your endorphin levels and your mood. Consider joining a gym or scheduling regular fitness classes, like Zumba or cycling, if your doctor approves.
• Stay informed about your options. Uncertainty about your treatment is likely to cause excess stress. Knowing what to expect and communicating openly and regularly with your doctor can reduce anxiety and build confidence.
• Do your best to maintain your normal lifestyle. It can be tough, but continuing regular routines can help you preserve a sense of normalcy and keep your mind away from negative, intrusive thoughts. So, don’t stop going to work, walking your dog and participating in your typical activities and errands.
• Continue to set goals and make plans for yourself. Likewise, don’t put your personal or professional life on pause after your diagnosis. Continue to strive for that promotion at work, make travel plans and finish planning your birthday party — and do everything in between.

Integrative Care Services at RCCA

At RCCA, we’re not only concerned with your physical health — we take care of your mental health, as well. Through integrative care, our team of nurses, doctors and specialists offer treatment programs that ease cancer’s emotional and psychological symptoms as well as its physical symptoms. This is achieved through a combination of medical treatments for your specific cancer and therapies that help combat symptoms and side effects of treatment while strengthening mental health.

Our supplementary and supportive therapy programs can help you cope with any pain, anxiety, confusion and other negative feelings. As you undergo radiation, chemotherapy and other treatments, you will also receive support and guidance for:

• Physical activity
• Yoga
• Spiritual support
• Nutrition counseling
• Massage therapy

These supplemental treatments are a vital component in RCCA’s desire to care for the whole person. We aim to maximize your physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health through a combination of these services.

The Support You Need After Your Diagnosis

After your colon cancer diagnosis, remember that you’re not alone – the team at RCCA is here to help. There are a variety of steps you can take yourself to cope with your emotions, as well as services offered in conjunction with your personalized treatment plan that are designed to improve your mental health. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us today.