You may have heard about the 5 stages of grief when diagnosed with cancer. I found these stages to be therapeutic when coping with my diagnosis, knowing that everything I felt was normal and valid.
- State 1: Denial
- Stage 2: Anger
- Stage 3: Bargaining
- Stage 4: Sadness and depression
- Stage 5: Acceptance
Everyone’s journey with cancer is completely different. You may be battling the same type of cancer as someone you know, but emotions, questions and concerns may be completely different, and that’s ok. There is no one fits all solution when it comes to cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer changes yours and your family’s life. It’s a very personal experience. The important thing is that you should not have to fight this battle alone. Keep the line of communication open – even if it’s hard and uncomfortable. Talk talk talk. Talk to your spouse, your parents, your children, friends, doctors and nurses. Find a good counselor or self-help group to share and get feedback from others who struggle just like you. Say yes to any support you can get. Whether it’s talking to someone, a meal prepared by a neighbor, helping with the kids or groceries brought to your home by a friend. Just know, while you may feel alone you are not alone. You just have to say yes to the helping hands around you.