Download Being a Cancer Patient...and Yourself

HEALTH MATTERS
8.1.15
CONTACT: LYNN SCRIBNER
903-731-5329
Being a Cancer Patient...and Yourself
After hearing her diagnosis of breast cancer, Angela wanted to push the ‘back’ button and go
back to being a regular person. “Whatever happens, I will never be the same,” she said. “I am a person
with cancer. If I beat it, I will be a cancer survivor; if I don’t, I’m a cancer victim.”
Angela has suffered from asthma for most of her life, and it has altered her life significantly but
never become a part of her identity as cancer has in only a few moments.
As a cancer patient, Angela will undergo chemo. And she will lose her hair, which has always
been an important part of her identity. When it grows back, it will be a different color (white) and a
different texture (curly). If she has a mastectomy, full or partial, she will see the scar and feel the loss
every single day.
Cancer is a dreaded disease in our culture, and we have many campaigns and events to raise
awareness and funds for research: “Stand Up to Cancer,” “Run for the Cure,” “Coaches against Cancer.”
The late basketball coach Jim Valvano, as a cancer patient, gave us an inspirational speech: “Never give
up; don’t ever give up.”
Some Americans welcome the challenge of winning the battle. They may, as a result, accept and
even welcome being identified as a cancer survivor. In one study, 83 percent of subjects thought it was
at least somewhat okay to be a cancer survivor and 81 percent accepted the identity of being a person
who has had cancer. They were likely to become involved in cancer-related activities such as wearing
pink and talking about prevention.
On the other side, being a cancer “victim” was endorsed by only 18 percent of subjects. Along
with “cancer patient” and “person with cancer,” it was associated with poorer psychological well being.
One reason for the preoccupation with cancer is the obstacle course of cancer treatment.
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation–the side effects are well known and rightfully dreaded. At the very
least, treatment is time consuming; some patients may decide they don’t have time and energy to
continue working while undergoing cancer treatment.
The Family Medical Leave Act allows individuals to take a certain amount of unpaid leave or
part-time employment to manage symptoms or treatment of serious illnesses. Talk to your human
resources department to find out if your employer carries short- or long-term disability for you.
Don’t wait until your work performance starts to suffer, though. If you keep your health
problems to yourself and are fired for doing a poor job, you will lose your health as well as your
disability insurance.
Whatever you do, it’s important not to let your treatment and its effects control your life. Make
sure you continue your usual activities as much as possible. Friends will want to know how you’re doing,
but don’t let your illness consume the conversation.
At the doctor’s office, it’s advisable to establish a sense of control. By taking an active role in
your care, you avoid the identity of victim.
Most patients benefit by learning as much as they can about their type of cancer. Your doctor
may have handouts for you and suggestions about gathering your own information. Stick to reliable
websites such as those of the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute and Cancer.Net.
Ask questions of your doctor and your health care team. It’s easy to become confused or
overwhelmed by detail in your doctor’s office. Take notes or record important conversations about
treatment. Sometimes it helps to bring along a spouse, family member or friend for support and to serve
as a second pair of ears.
If the information you are getting doesn’t make sense to you, speak up. Before leaving an
appointment, make sure you know exactly what is coming next in your treatment and what you need to
do to prepare. And don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion about your diagnosis or your treatment
plan.
The physical changes that take place during cancer treatment can be substantial. Some, like hair
loss and fatigue, are temporary; others, such as surgery scars or an ostomy, are long lasting. If you’re
having trouble adjusting to these changes, you may benefit from therapy.
Inquire about support services available to you, such as counseling, support groups, nutritional
advice, fitness classes and stress management groups.
Cancer is a serious illness. So is asthma. A diagnosis is just that. It is to be followed by education,
understanding and active participation in treatment.