“Unfortunately, we found out you have cancer,” your radiation doctor in Singapore delivered this news while sitting in the clinic. After a moment of silence, your mind went black, and you could not fathom how to handle this medical situation. Questions are probably running into your mind now. Will I recover from this? How many years do I have left? Can I pay for my medical bills? What about my dreams and goals?
Breathe in and out, and calm your mind first because there are still ways to live with cancer. It may be hard to believe, but coping with cancer can be less stressful when you know the right things to do. To help you, here are the tips for managing your life with cancer.
How to Deal With Cancer?
No, there are no reasons why a person develops cancer. Stop saying it happens for a reason because it translates to: “maybe you deserve it, or you have to learn a lesson.” If you’re not the one suffering, you have no right to dictate what a patient should feel. You are only here as a listener or someone who can make your day better. There’s no right or wrong way to deal with cancer, as radiation therapy in Singapore can be a stressful experience.
However, these tips below can help you get through a hard day.
1) Accept Your Situation
The first step is to accept your situation. You can’t change the outcomes, and it’s time to move forward with what you have at present. If you’re shying away and constantly denying you have cancer, you wouldn’t be able to free yourself from your disbelief. It would be harder for you to do the right things to live a more fulfilling life.
Once the radiation oncologist in Singapore confirms you have cancer, try as much as possible to accept the news and prepare for your following actions. If you deny it, you would only put yourself in danger because you refuse to do the right thing for yourself.
2) Be Open With Your Friends and Family
No man is an island indeed true, even if you have cancer. Don’t bottle up your emotions because it can affect your healing progress. Be comfortable expressing yourself, and it’s okay not to show you’re brave or strong. You can be weak and vulnerable with the right people. Look for compassionate friends and loved ones who can listen to your experience while attending your radiation therapy in Singapore.
If you want more privacy, or perhaps you don’t have a close friend, look for a psychiatrist who can help you manage your emotions while dealing with cancer. As you take your feelings under control, you can better manage yourself during the stormy days.
3) Keep Doing Your Hobbies
Having cancer doesn’t mean you can’t live your life the way you used to before being diagnosed. You can still do your hobbies like reading books, painting, going to the cinemas, hiking, swimming, or joining sports activities if your body is still capable. Even though you have your radiation therapy, you can still enjoy your life and stick with your goals.
Keep doing what you love because it makes you happy and more alive. Don’t let cancer shackle your mind from not doing your hobbies. Yes, keep this as a mantra: cancer will not stop me from doing the things I love.
4) Eat Healthier
Unfortunately, it would be best to say goodbye to some of your unhealthy comfort foods, like chips, sodas, or pastries. Although you can still eat them, choose to eat them moderately or as little as possible. When the radiation doctor diagnoses you with cancer, it doesn’t mean you have to sabotage your health with unhealthy food since you’re already dying. No, change this mindset: I can still live a long and fulfilling life with the proper diet.
Most cancer patients should eat lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. If unsure, you can consult your radiation doctor or nutritionist to know the proper diet plan.
5) Manage Your Finance
Stress from financial responsibilities can add to your anxiety when dealing with cancer. Mind you—therapies can be expensive if you have cancer. Ask the doctor or clinic about the radiotherapy cost in Singapore so you can budget your finances in advance. You can consider your insurance and savings or ask for a donation drive if you need assistance.
If you need more financial help, you can ask the radiation doctor if they have programs that can help those in need to let them finish therapies for faster recovery.
6) Work-Life Balance
You can also ask your radiation doctor in Singapore if you can go back to work. If yes, tell your manager about your condition, and they may grant you medical leaves and financial assistance. You can also inform your boss if you need to undergo radiation therapy. Your company should be lenient with your condition and understand your needs for treating your cancer.
Plus, manage your stress when working as it can affect your recovery progress. If possible, you can resign from your job and focus on taking care of yourself in the meantime.
7) Prepare for Physical Changes
As you attend more check-ups at Mount Elizabeth with your radiation doctor, you might see physical changes in your body. You may lose hair, lose weight, or even gain weight. All of this can affect your confidence and self-esteem. So, before going to your therapies, ask your radiation oncologist about the possible changes you may experience to prepare for it.
8) Regular Workout
Taking care of your health is one of the most important things to do when diagnosed with cancer. To get the best results from radiation therapy, you should also have a regular workout routine to boost your immune system. This way, you can prepare your body for the possible changes you will experience.
If you want to enjoy your workout routine, look for an exercise program that will fit your preferences, like yoga, HIIT, or strength training.
There’s always hope when dealing with cancer. So, consult Dr Johann Tang, a radiation oncologist in Singapore, to help you recover. You can also visit their website to learn about the radiotherapy cost.
