Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 18)

V&V: What were you going Neville: I felt guilt from my decision to seek a divorce during my cancer treatment, combined with the stress of illness and the pressures of starting a new life. Hastings: When I was ﬁrst diagnosed, I just lost it. I was completely sobbing. Later, the hardest part was my fear that I’d one day die, leaving my two young children without a mother. Wilkey: I went into a downward spiral of depression after doctors told me the ﬁrst type of chemotherapy didn’t work. I became isolated. I wasn’t talking to or meeting anyone else who had cancer. I started planning my suicide, ﬁguring out how I’d do it. Thankfully, I had a moment of clarity and called the American Cancer Society. They sent me a list of support services, and everything changed after that. through emotionally? V&V: What support systems Neville: I wanted to go it alone. I’m a stoic person, and I didn’t complain or even want to talk about it. Hastings: My mom moved in with us, and my father retired early and arrived the ﬁrst day after I ﬁnished chemo. I found other resources online that became my lifeline, like Voices of Survivors [voicesofsurvivors.org] and I’m Too Young for This!, which supports young cancer patients. Their website is stupidcancer.com. Wilkey: I was surrounded by loving friends and family, yet felt absolutely alone. It was the strangest feeling I ever had. But everything changed after I joined a cancer support group at The Wellness Community. It felt like the clouds parting. It was the ﬁrst time I met someone in remission, and it was also the ﬁrst time I met people going through the cancer battle. That was more powerful to me than any chemotherapy I received. did you lean on? » EXPERT TIP: “Cancer treatment can put you on a roller coaster of emotions. Anger, confusion, anxiety over what will happen next and depression are all very common,” Ades says. “It’s important that cancer patients understand there will be changes in their emotions and have some type of support system to help them through it.” » EXPERT TIP: “For your support system, M ich ell e Ha st in gs you need someone you’re comfortable talking to and who will listen,” Ades says. “People who are very comfortable in group settings may want to think about joining a support group. Survivors can call 800-227-2345, and one of our cancer information specialists can identify what support groups are available in their community.” ues h Beyond tcanernBlur life upside down: “You tu yo V&V: What advice would you ords ’s a who le host Three si m pl e w ag nosi s, “t he re it h th at sc ar y di ctor of have cancer.” W i Ade s, R .N ., di re arise,” says Te rr the at can r Society. Be on of em otions th American Cance ion for the wee ks cancer inform at m ore th an two th at linge rs for should pression symptoms you lookout for de Here are seven sional help. and seek profes e day y for m os t of th neve r ig nore : al m os t ever y da “e m pt y” e day • Feeling sad or th roughout th e or no pl ea sure tl at are not • Experiencing lit ncentrating th deci sion s or co ak ing ent • Dif ficultie s in m or cancer treatm ed by m edic ines of the day caus y day for m os t gr y al m os t ever • Feeling an ly • Crying frequent pe ss or wit hout ho • Feeling wor thle se lf t ki lli ng your Cancer Socie ty • Thinking abou Source : American Vim & Vigor · FALL 2 011 Neville: A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Hastings: Be an active participant in your treatment, and don’t blindly trust everything you’re being told. If something doesn’t feel right to you, get a second opinion. Wilkey: I’m a big believer in support groups, and I host one. Now I’m the healthy, thriving person they are staring at in their moment of crisis as they say to themselves, “There is hope.” give to other cancer patients? » EXPERT TIP: “There are more than 11 mil- lion cancer survivors in America today, which is a very good indication that people are surviving cancer,” Ades says. “There is a very large network of support out there. So ﬁnd a support system to help you through the cancer experience, and know there are many others who have been through what you’re going through now.” 18 http://www.voicesofsurvivors.org http://www.stupidcancer.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Don't Be a Drowsy Driver
The Art of Nursing
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
A Healthy Tune
Stay in Circulation
'X' Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
What's New?
A Walking, Talking Fitness Billboard
Community Health
Special Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center