Taking the journey through cancer

Transcription

1 wellbeing your Taking the journey through cancer This month: Coping with cancer In this issue of Your Wellbeing, we re looking at cancer, including our emotions and how best to cope. For more information and to fnd out what else ou can expect during 2018, visit bupa.co.uk our-wellbeing Supported by Bupa Boost

2 Coping with cancer Being diagnosed with cancer is never easy. There ll be diffc lt conversations ahead, lots of things to think abo t and do, and changes yo ll need to make. Yo and yo r loved ones will also need to deal with a rollercoaster of different feelings and emotions. Even if yo don t have cancer, yo might still fnd this information helpf l. Most of s will have a time in o r lives when someone we know, be it a loved one or colleag e, will be affected by cancer.

3 Dealing with your diagnosis It s important to remember that everyone s experience ill be different and there s no right or rong ay for you to feel. You might feel upset, shocked and anxious, or alone and frustrated by the situation. It s normal to feel emotions like anger or guilt too. You may also feel mentally drained after your diagnosis. This can make it diffcult for you to understand the information given to you by your doctor or care team. Top tip Bring someone ith you to your appointment, take your time, and give yourself the chance to understand hat it all means and ho it s going to affect you. Learning about your cancer may also help to give you a sense of control over the situation. Organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK have a ealth of experience and information to share. You can also fnd more information at health-informationcancer Tackling diffcult conversations Where to begin? Most people tend to tell their partner about their diagnosis frst (if they have one), follo ed by close friends and family members. If you live alone or don t have support from friends and family, ask your healthcare team hat support is available. There are online support groups and charities they can direct you to. If you have children or grandchildren, don t forget to include them in the conversation. Although you may ant to shelter them from your diagnosis, keeping things from them can make them feel isolated, orried and confused. Having these conversations can be diffcult for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you. Make a list of ho you ant to tell and ho much information you ant them to kno. It can be exhausting telling everyone, so think about asking someone close to you to help you. Make sure you re clear about ho much you ant them to tell others. Have the conversation at the right time, in the right place. Chose a place here you on t be interrupted and can speak for as long as needed. Talking can be really valuable. It may bring to light questions you haven t thought to ask. Jot these do n and ask your healthcare team hen you see them next. Don t orry about silence kno ing hat to say can be hard for everyone involved. If you re feeling uncomfortable ask hat the other person is thinking, and don t be afraid to chat about everyday things if this feels better. Taking things one step at a time and in small chunks may help. When talking to children tell them the basics at a level they can understand. Things to address include hat the cancer is called, here it is, ho it s treated and ho hat you re going through might affect them.

4 Res onding to side-effects The side-effects of cancer and its treatments, such as pain, nausea or fatigue can be diffcult to deal ith and can affect your emotional ellbeing. Changes in your appearance for example, after an operation or from losing your hair can also affect your confdence and self-esteem. Top tip Speak to your doctor or nurse about any side-effects you should expect, so you can be as prepared as possible. Emotional effects, such as feelings of anxiety and depression are understandable if you have cancer. But if your mood is continuously lo and stopping you from getting on ith life as normal, seek help from your healthcare team. They can offer you support and treatment, if needed. \.,,, \:I ~ ~

5 Co ing with work Kno ing exactly ho you ll be affected by cancer and its treatment can be diffcult. You may need to ait until your treatment has started before you make a decision about ork. During this time, you may be orried about money and your fnancial position, or ho your colleagues are going to react. Speak ith your employer to discuss the options available to you. Here are some things to think about. Changing your orking hours, or orking more fexibly. Ho this ill affect your pay or entitlements. If your employer provides any support services, and hat you can expect if you decide to come back to ork. Rules or processes you need to follo. Getting back to you After treatment and diagnosis, getting back to everyday life can be a challenge. You ll need to attend follo up appointments and sometimes the reality of hat you ve been through really starts to set in. You might orry about the cancer coming back, but over time you should start to feel more at ease. Your loved ones may also be affected. Counselling at this time can be helpful for you or your loved ones. Choosing a healthier lifestyle after having cancer may be something that you re interested in. Your healthcare team can help you to develop a ellness plan. It may include things like exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet. I \ ' ~,: ' \ ' ' ' ' ' ' '

6 Bupa Boost is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, hich is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No Registered offce: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ Bupa 2018 BF3206SEP18 BPR 03205