Cancer In-Home Care

Hope

Once people accept that they have cancer, they often feel a sense of hope. There are many reasons to feel hopeful. Millions of people who have had cancer are alive today. Your chances of living with cancer—and living beyond it—are better now than they have ever been before. And people with cancer can lead active lives, even during treatment.

Some doctors think that hope may help your body deal with cancer. So, scientists are studying whether a hopeful outlook and positive attitude help people feel better. Here are some ways you can build your sense of hope:

• Plan your days as you've always done.

• Don't limit the things you like to do just because you have cancer.

• Look for reasons to have hope. If it helps, write them down or talk to others about them.

• Spend time in nature.

• Reflect on your religious or spiritual beliefs.

• Listen to stories about people with cancer who are leading active lives.

 

Stress and Anxiety

Both during and after treatment, it's normal to have stress over all the life changes you are going through. Anxiety means you have extra worry, can't relax, and feel tense. You may notice that:

• Your heart beats faster.

• You have headaches or muscle pains.

• You don't feel like eating. Or you eat more.

• You feel sick to your stomach or have diarrhea.

• You feel shaky, weak, or dizzy.

• You have a tight feeling in your throat and chest.

• You sleep too much or too little.

• You find it hard to concentrate.

 

Physical Activities

Research shows many people find they have more energy when they take part in physical activities such as swimming, walking, yoga, and biking. They find that these types of exercise, or anything that gets their body moving, help to keep them strong and makes them feel good. A bit of exercise every day:

• Improves your chances of feeling better

• Keeps your muscles toned

• Speeds your healing

• Decreases fatigue

• Controls stress

• Increases appetites

• Decreases constipation

• Helps free your mind of bad thoughts