How A Cancer Social Network Can Help You Survive And Thrive

By Marissa Velazquez


Having a cancer diagnosis can seem like the end of the world. Those around you may have the best of intentions, but they can never truly understand what you are going through. A cancer social network is an amazing way to connect with people who will fully understand your experience and provide that all-important boost to your morale.

Being told that they have cancer can for many unleash a tidal wave of emotions. They find themselves assailed by fear, grief, anger and other strong feelings. The fear of death is of course one of the most difficult-to-handle feelings that can arise. A cancer diagnosis is probably the most common way for people to be confronted with this deep-seated fear, and it can be a very isolating experience.

Another common reaction for sufferers is that of mourning the life they may never have. They grieve over never having the joys of family life, of hitting business or career goals, of travel, and other landmark experiences. Realizing that they may never experience these things can hit deep and hard.

There are many other implications to consider, too, and many newly diagnosed people are assailed with questions and fears in those first few days and weeks. Younger adults with families worry about the wives, husbands and children they will leave behind. They worry about how they will cope, financially and otherwise without their support.

Then there are the practical considerations of undergoing what can very challenging forms of treatment. Discomfort, pain and side-effects are hurdles that many dread having to face. Others may want to keep their illness to themselves and have concerns about keeping it a secret. They may worry about colleagues or clients finding out and being sidelined. Others may baulk at being pitied or being seen as weak or ill.

People facing these issues often find their families, despite their good intentions, are unable to understand what they are experiencing. It can be a gigantic weight off someone's mind to connect with supportive people who fully understand exactly what they are going through. This psychological boost should not be underestimated. It is imperative that cancer patients stay as positive as possible, to not give in to negative thoughts and feelings, and to the disease.

Something that can be hugely therapeutic for sufferers is for them to share their story. Expressing strong feelings in writing can be a tremendous way to unload psychological baggage. Anger, fears, worries and other turmoil can become much less intense when they are shared with others who understand. This can bring not only emotional calm but also clarity and perspective about one's situation.

Getting difficult questions answered, and having the support of people who know exactly what one is going through can be of incalculable benefit. People may have to suffer with the disease, but they do not have to suffer from needless fear and worry. There are people out there who understand and can help. By reaching out to them through a cancer social network, sufferers can give themselves the support they need, and also provide it for others.




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