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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffLearning you have salivary gland cancer can be frightening. Each person deals with a cancer diagnosis in his or her own way. With time you'll discover ways of coping that work for you. Until then, you might find some comfort if you:
- Learn enough to feel comfortable making treatment decisions. Ask your doctor for details about your cancer — the type, stage and treatment options. The more you know, the more comfortable you may feel when making treatment decisions. Ask your doctor to recommend reliable sources of information where you can learn more. Good places to start include the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
- Ask friends and family to be your support system. Your close friends and family can provide a support system that can help you cope during treatment. They can help you with the small tasks you may not have the energy for during treatment. And they can be there to listen when you need someone to talk with.
- Connect with other cancer survivors. Other cancer survivors can offer unique support and insight because they understand what you're experiencing. Connect with other cancer survivors through support groups in your community. Ask your doctor about support groups or contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Online support groups also are available.
- Take care of yourself during treatment. Get enough rest each night so that you wake feeling rested. Try to exercise when you feel up to it. Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.
References
- Salivary gland cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_7x_CRC_Salivary_Gland_Cancer_PDF.asp. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
- Salivary gland cancer. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Salivary+Gland+Cancer. Accessed Jan. 29, 2010.
- Salivary gland cancer treatment (PDQ): Health professional version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/salivarygland/healthprofessional/allpages/print. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
- Simental A, et al. Malignant neoplasms of the salivary glands. In: Cummings CW, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/182968964-2/0/1263/0.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
- Quon H. Cancer of the head and neck. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:1177.
- Head and neck cancer: Questions and answers. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/head-and-neck. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
- Head and neck cancers. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/head-and-neck.pdf. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
- Jeannon JP, et al. Management of advanced parotid cancer: A systematic review. European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2009;35:908.
- Dry mouth or xerostomia. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Treating+Cancer/Managing+Side+Effects/Dry+Mouth+or+Xerostomia. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- Cancer-related fatigue. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/fatigue.pdf. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
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