Reach out to others to ward off isolation
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-support/MY01207
- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
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Living with cancer blog
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Feb. 27, 2010
Reach out to others to ward off isolation
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
If you've been diagnosed with a rare or unusual cancer, you know that one of the most difficult aspects is that it's really hard to find someone else who's had the same experience as you have as a cancer survivor. This can bring out feelings of isolation, fear and worry.
It's also difficult to understand that at times even your doctor may not have the answers to all of your questions about your cancer type. Over the years, I've met many people who were diagnosed with rare cancers, such as carcinoid, appendix, ocular melanoma and others. Finding educational resources can be challenging, not to mention finding treatment guidelines or research that has been published about the specific cancer type.
Cancer survivors find great support in each other; to share experiences, thoughts and feelings. Many times, the most value is in finding someone else to talk to who has experienced a similar situation. Reach out to others through social networks and general support groups. Look for opportunities to volunteer or be an advocate to other cancer survivors. In doing this, you may find the people you meet along the way become your personal support group, regardless of cancer type, and many times, friends for life.
Maybe you're more of an introvert and find that expressing your feelings by writing or other artistic/creative ways helps with the feelings of isolation. If you're someone who has been diagnosed with a rare or unusual cancer, please reach out through this blog to share your thoughts and feelings, as well as any resources or strategies that you found helpful in your experience as a cancer survivor.
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