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Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.
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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffA diagnosis of cancer can be extremely challenging. Remember that no matter what your concerns or prognosis, you're not alone. These strategies and resources may make dealing with cancer easier:
- Know what to expect. Find out everything you can about your cancer — the type, stage, risks, your treatment options and their side effects. The more you know, the more active you can be in your care. In addition to talking with your doctor, look for information in your local library and on the Internet. The National Cancer Institute will answer questions over the phone at 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237). Or contact the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345). Information is also available on their Web sites.
- Be proactive. Although you may feel tired and discouraged, don't let others — including your family or your doctor — make important decisions for you. It's vital that you take an active role in your treatment.
- Maintain a strong support system. Having a support system and a positive attitude can help you cope with any issues, pain and anxieties that might occur. Although friends and family can be your best allies, they sometimes may have trouble dealing with your illness. If so, the concern and understanding of a formal support group or others coping with cancer can be especially helpful. Although support groups aren't for everyone, they can be a good source for practical information for you and your family. You may also find you develop deep and lasting bonds with people who are going through the same things you are.
- Set reasonable goals. Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. But don't choose goals you can't possibly reach. You may not be able to work a 40-hour week, for example, but you may be able to work at least part time. In fact, many people find that continuing to work can be helpful.
- Take time for yourself. Eating well, relaxing and getting enough rest can help combat the stress and fatigue of cancer. Also, plan ahead for the downtimes, when you may need to rest more or limit what you do.
- Stay active. Having cancer doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy or normally do. For the most part, if you feel well enough to do something, go ahead and do it. It's important to stay involved as much as you can.
References
- Rajkumar SV, et al. Multiple myeloma and related disorders. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/145977116-5/856340478/1709/160.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50114-7_4940. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Konrad CN, et al. Multiple myeloma: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2008;78:853.
- Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for patients with high risk multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Rajkumar SV. Initial chemotherapy for symptomatic multiple myeloma in patients who are not candidates for transplantation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Treatment of the complications of multiple myeloma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Detailed guide: Multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy and other drugs. American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Multiple myeloma: Moving on after treatment. American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Richardson PG, et al. Management strategies for relapsed multiple myeloma: Therapy in practice. American Journal of Cancer. 2006;5:393.
- Detailed guide: Multiple myeloma. What are the risk factors for multiple myeloma? American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Multiple myeloma: What are some questions I can ask my doctor? American Cancer Society. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Integrative medicine & complementary and alternative therapies as part of blood cancer care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1150734030.pdf. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Complementary and alternative methods for cancer management. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_1_Introduction.asp. Accessed June 12, 2009.
- Rajkumar SV (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 8, 2008.
