Introduction
When you hear the words “ovarian cancer” or “uterine cancer,” your mind starts to race. It can be terrifying to think about how advanced these diseases are before you even notice symptoms, especially if you’re in your early 40s or later when such diagnoses may seem unlikely. Say’s Dr Scott Kamelle, however, it’s important to remember that ovarian and uterine cancer are still rare conditions and with early detection and treatment there is a good chance of survival.
The diagnosis can be overwhelming.
The diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may feel frightened, shocked, devastated and burdened by the news that you have ovarian or uterine cancer. Your reaction will depend on your personal circumstances at the time of diagnosis: if you have children; if you are financially secure; whether there is someone close to you who has been affected by this type of cancer before.
The shock of receiving a diagnosis for ovarian or uterine cancer can be devastating but many people find that once they begin treatment and receive support from family members and friends (including online forums), they start feeling better about their situation.
You may feel isolated.
Many people do not understand what you are going through, and they may be afraid to talk about your diagnosis with you. You may feel alone, and not know where to turn for support. If this is the case for you, it might be time to find a new circle of friends who understand what you are going through.
You will have to make changes to your lifestyle.
- Avoiding certain foods:
- Taking vitamins and supplements:
- Exercise:
- Getting enough sleep every night and avoiding daytime naps.
- Dealing with stress:
You will have to make changes to your lifestyle, but they don’t have to be drastic ones. For example, if you are not exercising regularly now, start walking or swimming at least three times a week for 30 minutes each time. If possible, try taking a yoga class once per week before work so that it becomes part of your routine and does not feel like an additional task on top of everything else going on in your life at this time (such as work).
You may want to talk with others who have gone through similar experiences.
You may want to talk with others who have gone through similar experiences. There are many online support groups and forums where you can share your experiences with others who have been through it, as well as help those going through it now. You will feel less alone in your journey, and you’ll be able to find out how others handled their diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Surviving ovarian and uterine cancer is possible, and there are many resources available to help you fight back and maintain a good quality of life during treatment and recovery
Once you have been diagnosed with ovarian or uterine cancer, it is important to talk about the diagnosis with family and friends. Your support system can help you cope with the stress of treatment and recovery.
If you feel like talking about your feelings does not help, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor who has experience working with people who have been diagnosed with cancer. There are many resources available online as well (e.g., www.canceradvocacynetwork.org). You may also want to attend support groups in person; these provide an opportunity for people going through similar experiences to connect with one another and share experiences that might otherwise be difficult to articulate on their own
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of ovarian and uterine cancer and how it affects women. The diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there are many resources available to help you fight back and maintain a good quality of life during treatment and recovery. Remember that there is always someone who has gone through something similar before so they can relate to what you’re going through right now!