Contents
Content
In the 1960s famous American psychologist Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, the creator of the concept of psychological assistance to seriously ill patients, formulated Five stages of making a diagnosis:
Negation. The patient cannot believe that this really happened to him.
Anger. Outrage at the work of doctors, hatred of healthy people
Bargain. An attempt to make a deal with fate. Patients think, let’s say that they will get better if the coin falls heads
Depression. Despair and horror, loss of interest in life
Adoption.
Despite the enormous popularity of the Kübler-Ross theory, many researchers did not find support for it, and subsequently Kübler-Ross clarified that the stages are not a linear and predictable progression, that is, not all patients with serious diagnoses go through all five stages in this sequence. Perhaps only the first stage is unchanged – denial and shock.
I have cancer – what should I do? Is that really true? Why me?
Often the disease is detected by chance, no alarming symptoms may be observed. A cancer diagnosis sounds like a bolt from the blue, it shocks any person, and this state of shock can last from several hours to several days. A person’s behavior during this period can be completely different – from stupor and tears, to incredible activity (in an attempt to switch to something else, to drive away the depressing thought of the disease from oneself). How to cope with the diagnosis of cancer? How serious is it, is there a chance to recover? Where to find a good doctor? How to live with cancer? Keep everything to yourself or share with loved ones? To all these questions, a person painfully tries to find the answer, having learned about the diagnosis. It will take some time to get used to this thought and overcome the first shock.
What to do if diagnosed with cancer?
Do not despair and tell your loved ones about the diagnosis
Confusion and a sense of helplessness are completely natural in such a situation.
What to do with the diagnosis “oncology”?
It is extremely important not to lose heart and not withdraw into yourself. It is necessary to tell relatives and friends about the disease and get support from them. During this difficult period, there should be close people next to you whom you trust, those who will hold your hand and let you cry, help organize treatment, go with you to the doctor, take care of household chores, look after the children, pick up some work. It is possible that one of your friends or colleagues has encountered a similar problem and knows what to do with a diagnosis of oncology. Your relatives and friends can not only provide you with moral support, but may become a valuable source of information.
Learn as much as possible about the disease
The first thing to do if you find “cancer” is to study as much information about the diagnosis as possible.
Since we are talking about your health, it is necessary to collect as much data as possible, while avoiding unverified sources. First of all, do not be shy to ask questions to doctors. It is recommended to double-check the diagnosis at least twice in order to exclude medical error and compare the proposed treatment regimens. If the opinions of two doctors differ, it is imperative to consult other oncologists. Public organizations and foundations can help in collecting information.
Find a good doctor
It is an oncologist with a proven qualification and medical practiceand not a traditional healer or shaman. Oncologists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The organizations and funds listed above or your friends who have previously encountered a similar problem can tell you where to find a specialist.
Very often, patients are lost and worried before and during the appointment of anticancer treatment. And this is absolutely normal! It is better to come to the appointment with paper, a pen and pre-recorded questions of interest
Very often, patients are lost and worried before and during the appointment of anticancer treatment. And this is absolutely normal! It is better to come to the appointment with paper, a pen and pre-recorded questions of interest
Kharchenko Evgenia Vladimirovna
oncologist, chemotherapist
It is also very important not to delay treatment, therefore, the sooner the right measures are taken, the higher the chance reduction or disappearance of signs and symptoms of the disease
Try to get a quota for treatment
For the treatment of oncological diseases, the state annually allocates quotas that allow free access to high-tech medical services (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy).
If there are medical indications, any citizen of the Russian Federation who has a compulsory medical insurance policy can count on medical assistance. Information on the availability of quotas for the current year can be obtained from the Department of Health or directly from medical institutions. A referral for a quota is issued by the attending physician in case of a confirmed diagnosis.
What else is important to do if you are diagnosed with cancer.
Lead a healthy lifestyle
To deal with illness the body needs strength.
Not only moral, but also physical. You need a good rest, sleep for at least 7-8 hours, walks in the fresh air. Direct efforts to reduce bad habits, such as smoking, which leads to the progression of a number of cancers
Slow down and reset emotionally
No matter how important and responsible (and beloved) the work is, now it should not take up most of the day. There should certainly be enough time for rest, and for communication with loved ones, and for activities that bring joy, whether it be meetings with friends, theaters and concerts, educational courses, hobbies, etc. As you know, stress causes many diseases or exacerbates them, so during the fight against cancer, it is so important to drastically reduce stress and maintain emotional balance.
Remember that you will never be left alone with the disease – there are people who will help you get through all the difficulties. Doctors, nurses, social workers, beauticians, hairdressers and other professionals can support you.