Category: Treatment & Therapy

Raise your hand if you believe that life isn’t fair.

I can say it with conviction as I think of every cancer patient across the globe. Cancer is not the most straightforward condition, considering the number of affected cells is almost insignificant at first. That is especially true for blood, ovarian, or brain cancer. Thus, the symptoms may only manifest when it is already at a critical stage, and then the patients have no other option but to get expensive treatment or pray for a miracle.

What’s makes matters worse for cancer patients these days is the threat of having COVID-19. There may no longer be a single person on the planet who does not know how much trouble it can put anyone in. If healthy folks get infected by the coronavirus and need a ventilator to survive, how will the individuals with pre-existing conditions fare?

Well, I am not an expert on either disease, so I cannot and will not offer medical advice. Still, it does not entail that I am forbidden to share as a friend how you can look after yourself while there is a global health crisis.

Avoid Going Out 

The first thing you should do is avoid going out of the house. Its four walls not only protect you against natural disasters now but also keep you from catching the virus. The more you leave the place, the more you may come across a coronavirus carrier.

Considering your alibi is that you need to get chemotherapy or no one can buy groceries for you, it is not acceptable at this time. After all, you may ask your doctor to let you do oral chemotherapy to continue the treatment at home. As for your essentials, most retail stores already have online marketplaces where you can order food and other supplies and deliver them at your doorstep.

Sleep A Lot

Sleep is undoubtedly one of the most effective medicines that a doctor can ever prescribe. Sleeping helps your body repair damaged cells and wash away your fatigue, so you tend to feel energized as soon as your eyes open.

Cancer patients must sleep longer than others for various reasons, such as:

• It can keep you from thinking about leaving the house.
• You need to strengthen your immunity to beat the odds of catching the coronavirus.
• Worrying about COVID-19 while you are awake may aggravate your existing condition.

Eat Well

Getting chemotherapy sessions cannot be the best activity ever to try. It hurts to feel the needle go under your skin at least twice a week; you may not even have the energy or appetite to eat.

Despite that, now is the perfect time to push yourself to eat healthily. Like sleep, healthy eating may help you dodge or withstand the symptoms of COVID-19, even if you have cancer. And if you cannot make the dish, you can always have salads and other foods delivered at home.

Final Thoughts

Based on what’s happening in the world, it does not seem like the health crisis will not clear off sooner than we all want. The coronavirus does not care how many lives it has already taken—it intends to continue infecting people until every man, woman, or child has the disease.

Nonetheless, you may not be able to see the pandemic end if you do not look after yourself now. The worst-case scenario is that you catch the coronavirus, experience severe symptoms of COVID-19, and join the stars in the sky at night. 

In case you are still not ready to meet our maker yet, you should stay at home and eat and sleep well. Leave the worrying job to the authorities and just focus on your health. Good luck!

Finding out that the love of your life is suffering from cancer can turn your world upside down. You will probably lose the will to go on because you do not know what to do next. It will seem that a big part of your heart is aching, and you have no idea what to do next. Do not worry because what you are feeling is only a normal reaction to such unfortunate news.

Source: pexels.com

At this point in your life, you are probably wondering how you can support your loved one from this heartbreaking experience. You may start to wonder what you can give up just to take his pain away. The sad or unfortunate thing is, there is nothing you can do to remove his cancer cells. However, you can help him get better despite his medical condition.

 

In this article, we are going to share the effective words that you must say to a loved one with cancer. Be sure that you use these words at the right time so that he can feel your unconditional love and support.

Source: pexels.com

“I Am Here”

 

Sometimes, all you must do is to give an assurance to the one you love that you will stay by his side or corner no matter what happens. Make him feel that he is the luckiest guy alive because you will never give up on him. Tell him that he is amazing at how he is handling his health concerns. Be there for him whenever he needs someone to talk to or to assist him. Never make the mistake of showing him that you are too busy for his needs. Make him a top priority at all times.

 

“I Trust You”

 

One of the common mistakes of people, when it comes to dealing with cancer patients, is acting weird or overwhelmingly concerned. Whether you like it or not, the truth is that the other person does not want to see you act insane whenever he is around. Show you care and love in the right manner. Make him feel that you trust his own decisions and actions. Remember that he is not crippled.

“I Love You”

 

Of course, you must also never miss the chance to let the other person know how much he matters in your life. You must stop thinking of his illness so that nothing will change between the two of you. The best and ideal thing to do is to continue making him feel how special and amazing he is. Never let a day pass without uttering these three sweet words. The more you let him know how much you love him, the more motivated he will become to fight his illness. Do not hesitate in expressing your affection for him.

 

Take note that now is the time in your partner’s life that he needs you the most. Stop showing him that you are hurting because it will only break him down. Instead, be his pillar of hope and strength.

Getting a diagnosis from your physician that you have cancer can put you down on your knees. Your initial reaction would be to feel shocked, especially if you are taking good care of your body well. At the same time, you may think that life has cheated on you because of the sickness that you have. Take note that everything that you are feeling at the moment is only temporary. There are many ways that you can do if you want to start to feel better about yourself.

Source: pexels.com

Before anything else, we want to remind you that having a medical condition does not necessarily mean that the world is ending for you. Just because you have cancer does not mean that you can no longer see your loved ones or friends. All you need to do is to remain healthy and faithful. Believe that everything is going to be fine soon so that you can survive this traumatic experience. Here are the things to know to help you cheer up:

 

Acceptance Is The Key

 

The first and crucial step that you must do as soon as possible is to accept the medical diagnosis. Never deny to yourself that you have a condition that needs immediate care and assistance. Keep in mind that the faster you accept your cancer illness, the faster it would be on your part to look for a solution. Stop blaming other people or circumstances for what you are going through. Be stronger than you are. Nothing should ever make you feel that there is no hope.

Source: pexels.com

Talk About It

 

Now that you already know your condition, the best thing that you can consider is to discuss it with a friend or someone close to you. You can also talk to your family if you want them to get an update about your difficult situation. Take note that your parents or loved ones deserve to know if you have a sensitive medical condition. Learn how to talk about it to others so that the acceptance process will be a lot easier. You can also search for a therapist if you want, especially if you are not comfortable discussing your problems with someone you know.

 

Exercise Regularly

 

Now is the perfect time in your life to incorporate exercise and fitness routine. Make a promise to yourself that you will become physically active. Remember that the benefits of going to the gym or having morning runs are unlimited. You will be surprised at how it can improve your mood in an instant. Aside from this, exercise can also improve your mental wellness aside from the physical health benefits. Find a fitness buddy or partner who can help you stay motivated as you live a healthy lifestyle.

Source: pexels.com

Having cancer is not the end of the world for you, which is why you have to keep on moving forward. Keep in mind that you are a powerful human being who can transform everything into something positive.

 

One of the worst things that can happen in your life is losing a loved one. There is no easy way to handle the fact that a special part of your life is no longer around. Do not feel strange or bad if you are struggling at the moment since you do not know how to move on from your loss. What you are experiencing and feeling at the moment is only typical for someone who is coming face-to-face with grief.

Source: pexels.com

In this article, we are going to provide you with the tips that you need to master if you want to feel better after losing your loved one to cancer. Before anything else, it is crucial on your part to be ready for the next journey of your life. Just because one person dies does not mean that you no longer have something to live for. What is essential in this life is that you have peace of mind and belief that everything is going to be fine soon.

 

Here are the things to remember so that you can move on right away. Make sure to familiarize them:

 

Feel The Loss

 

The first step is to stop denying to yourself the loss of a special someone in your life. As already mentioned above, it is okay to let all your feelings out. If you are sad or upset about the death of your loved one, do not be afraid to cry your heart out. No one is supposed to tell you what to feel. Keep in mind that you are the only one who can manage what you are feeling inside.

Source: pexels.com

Be With Family

 

Now is the best time in your life to be surrounded by your family members. Make sure that you spend most of your time with them because they are the ones who can help you move on or survive this challenging moment. You must stop thinking that they cannot help you in any way. Remind yourself that they are the only ones who will save you from misery. Do not hesitate to open up to your family about what you feel so that they can know how to support you.

 

Seek Therapy

 

Another effective way of handling grief or loss is to start looking for a therapist. Do not think that you are alone in this situation. Instead, remind yourself that you are a fantastic individual who can survive what you are going through. All you need is to get in touch with a therapist who can make the process easier on your part. Just because you have a therapist does not mean that you are insane. Instead, treat it as an opportunity to improve your life and bounce back from heartbreak.

Source: pexels.com

Cancer can take the people you love, and it can hurt a lot. However, you need to be stronger for yourself. Stop thinking of what was lost. Instead, focus on the bright future ahead of you. Remember that you can still recover from this unfortunate experience. You need to make better choices.

 

One of the saddest things that you will experience in this life is discovering that you have a serious medical condition. It can be challenging and hard to face the reality that no matter how careful you are, you still fell a victim of cancer. Maybe you think that this world is unfair because you have an illness even if you always put your health as a top priority. Aside from this, you may also feel bitterness, especially if you think that you are a nice person.

 Source: pexels.com

If there is one crucial thing that you must remember at this point, it is the reality that there are tons of ways on how you can handle cancer. Your life is not ending just because you have been diagnosed with this disease. Sometimes, you have to be stronger than what you are suffering from. In this article, we are going to provide you with some tips on how to handle cancer:

 

Ask Questions

 

For sure, there are several things in your mind that you need to clear out. Do not feel bad for having tons of questions about your condition. Remember that you have a doctor who can answer everything you need to know. Do not hesitate to ask questions so that you can know more about your condition. Feel free to throw any form of inquiries to ensure that nothing will bother you.

Source: pexels.com

Be With Loved Ones

 

Now is a difficult moment in your life, which means that you need to be around the people who make you feel alive. Get in touch with your family and make them feel how much you value them. Stop thinking about the hardships that you are going through and focus on getting assistance and support from your loved ones.

 

Take A Break

 

Sometimes, you need to be brave and strong enough to go on a vacation on your own. Be out of your comfort zone and take a break to a place that you have always wanted to visit for a long time. Remind yourself that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Travel alone so that you will discover yourself. In so doing, you will become more motivated to keep living.

Source: pexels.com

Have Faith

 

Another thing that you must never forget is to keep faithful despite the situation. Keep in mind that you can survive this difficult moment, as long as you follow the tips mentioned above. Try to remain positive because it is the only way to handle your biggest issues. Remember that if you allow your illness to bring you down, there is a big possibility that you may no longer recover.

 

If you think that your condition is making things a lot more difficult for you, feel free to consider talking to a therapist. Be brave in seeking out professional help if you think that it is what you need at the moment. There are various form of therapy treatments that can help you get going, despite having a serious illness.

Source: pixabay.com

As you age, your body starts to weaken, resulting in higher chances of contracting injuries and diseases such as cancer. In fact, Tania Estapé, Ph.D. reported that 60% of cancer patients are 65 years or older because their bodies are more likely to accumulate damaged cells caused by UV radiation or cigarette smoking during their younger years. These people might need the help of psychologists.

When this occurs, the cells continue to multiply and divide abnormally without dying, posing grave health threats to those concerned. For instance, the cancer of the colon and rectum or more commonly known as colorectal cancer according to studies is said to be the second leading cause of deaths for both men and women diagnosed with the disease in the United States.

Patients with this kind of cancer may experience effects physically, emotionally, and financially similar to those with other types of cancers. However, it is usually the emotional needs of these patients that are given the least priority despite them recurring even after the treatment completed. Hence, visiting a psychologist before, during, or after your diagnosis and treatment may help in improving your quality of life.

Psychology In Cancer Treatment

People often disregard the role of Psychology in treating cancer, but studies and reports have shown that psychological interventions have undoubtedly influenced both the patients and their families. Psychologists give them emotional support and help in alleviating distress, which eventually enhances communication among the patients, their families, and their doctors.

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Benefits Of Visiting A Psychologist

•     Improves Your Health And Well-Being

The theory behind this claim started when David Spiegel, M.D. released his findings on the effect of weekly group therapy sessions to those diagnosed with cancer. He discovered that the participants had survived an average of 18 months longer than those who did not after about a decade. It was later supported by a Canadian study that focused on the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on women with breast cancer. Similar to the previous study, the participants displayed fewer psychological disorders and a better overall quality of life.

Furthermore, increased stress might worsen cancer as it may act as a trigger to further promote the spread, growth, and increase of tumors in the body. Thus, having an effective support system could lead to reduced episodes of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. 

In addition to this, psychological interventions can also help in improving a patient’s self-management and control. They become more comfortable with themselves. Patients develop healthier coping skills, which further enhance the health and the emotional and mental well-being of cancer patients.

•     Helps alleviate pain during treatments

As previously mentioned, psychologists can help patients in developing better and more effective coping mechanisms, especially when it comes to their treatments. They can equip them with strategies to manage the side effects that come with their medication. 

For instance, the Cancer Research UK suggests using self-hypnosis as one of the possible techniques to help patients control their nausea and other side effects and help them to relax. Another strategy that can be taught by psychologists is by using guided imagery or visualization to alleviate discomfort. 

In this approach, psychologists bring you into a state of deep relaxation. This is a place where you can then take a journey through your imagination. There are two classifications for guided imagery, namely the Simonton method and the Palming technique. Patients imagine their bodies battling the cancer cells in the Simonton method. While in the Palming technique, it involves patients visualizing different colors to represent various things and emotions.

They can also help in alleviating the strong emotions that cancer induces such as fear and depression. Further, they can influence the patient in making sensible decisions about their lifestyle and choices. Furthermore, psychologists can effectively convince patients to adhere to their treatment regimens and medications.

•     Enhances Your Relationship With Your Family

Contrary to common misconceptions, the family members and relatives of cancer patients also experience distress. It is similar to those diagnosed with cancer. However, their emotional needs often receive neglections. 

A 2013 study showed that they have higher unemployment rates and lower self-rated health as a result of being more functionally disabled and stressed out. Furthermore, it is critical to also focus on the emotional well-being of the patient’s family. They may impose their frustration on the patient. 

Hence, psychologists play a crucial role to prevent this from happening. They can assist family members in managing their stress and overcoming their fear and feelings of isolation through hypnosis and relaxation. Psychologists also encourage their active participation during the patient’s treatment and care.

Source: flickr.com

Adequate care and a stable support system from both family members and doctors are vital. These will promote the overall welfare of a cancer patient. Hence, seeking help and counsel from experts aside from your usual oncologists do not hurt to give it a try.

A common hurdle in therapy is when patients find it difficult to put their feelings into words. Sometimes, in spite of the patients’ willingness to express themselves and seek help for their condition, they cannot control the fact that there is just something about speaking that sometimes, it is not always necessarily easy to do. Fortunately, there are other forms of therapy which help bridge the gap between patients and therapists.

Source: pixabay.com

Definition Of Art Therapy

According to the American Art Therapy Association, Art Therapy is a form which uses creative means as a way to express emotions. Whatever may be too difficult or complicated to put into words, patients can freely express them in writing, painting, drawing, coloring, sculpting, or any other form of art. It allows patients to re-discover themselves, know their emotions, deal with unresolved issues, and boost their confidence.

The term “Art Therapy” was coined by Adrian Hill in 1942, a British artist who discovered the health benefits of art, particularly painting and drawing, in helping him recover from tuberculosis. Other writers have also helped their patients to deal with their mental health issues during this time while being supervised by psychologists and other professionals.

Benefits Of Art Therapy

Source: flickr.com

What’s good with art therapy is that it fits all ages, its power works across all generations, and it can target various psychological, mental, and physical health issues. Research shows that art therapy can decrease feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. It is also able to help in patient’s anger and stress management. For those involved in drug-related issues, art therapy proves to be a useful diversion activity, thereby reducing the patients’ propensity for substance abuse.

Art therapy also has the effect of improving the patients’ focus and concentration, to reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity. It also aids the patients’ recovery with their cognitive impairments. Research suggests that through art therapy, patients with schizophrenia can see improvements in their mental states and reductions in their symptoms. It also helps those with dissociative identity disorder to gain a more profound sense of self.

Some studies also say that art therapy heals even physical health issues. Since it relaxes the body and mind, it can ease the patients’ fatigue. It normalizes the heart rate and allows for proper breathing. In some cases, it is also able to relieve patients from anorexia and bulimia, as well as other eating disorders.

In a study involving women diagnosed with cancer, art therapy was able to help them regain their self-worth and remember their social identity. Patients who have been chronically ill have reported restoring their strength and well-being. Even those with breast cancer have shown declining episodes of the recurrence of negative emotions.

Dynamics Between Patients And Therapists

The art masterpieces are both crucial and compelling means of revealing the patients’ overall psychological disposition. Art therapists are trained to recognize the meanings and thoughts behind these various forms of art that patients engage in. They can understand how the colors, texture, and strokes take part in the therapeutic process.

Source: defense.gov

For the patients, the exciting part is this does not apply only to actual painters, sculptors, photographers, and other artists. Anyone can use and benefit from art therapy. Art therapy only provides patients with another way, a different platform, and a unique method to express themselves without the pressure of using words or phrases. Although some patients may find doing art something to be unfamiliar at first, it becomes gratifying towards the end. With the help of art therapists, patients will soon find themselves comfortable to heal through art.

 

If you’re looking to start therapy, there are various online platforms which would allow you to meet with licensed therapists such as BetterHelp. In the midst of all the ups and downs of being diagnosed with anal cancer, here lies a beautiful fact: along with the proliferation of problems and challenges is also a multitude of ways to overcome them. Art therapy is just one of the many ways to do it.

 

Source: crisisprevention.com

How would you feel if you receive the bad news from your doctor saying that you have cancer? No matter how rampant cases of cancer or a number of people are diagnosed to have cancer, it is still extremely devastating especially if it is you, your family member or a dear friend. Although that is an expected emotional response during the initial diagnoses, anger is very common in patients who have relapses. These patients have been increasingly frustrated going through the cycle of diagnoses and treatments over and over again.

So, how do we handle anger issues as a support person to them? Sometimes because of the heaviness of the situation, it is unavoidable as well that these patients displace their anger to the people around them such as the doctors, nurses, and caregivers. The initial step in taking control of anger and negative emotions towards this difficult situation is by accepting and recognizing the emotion. By this, we do not mean accepting the disease but more of being aware of our reactions and responses towards circumstances.

Finding a way to express anger is also helpful.

You must have an outlet to vent your emotions, talk about your feelings. Look for a confidante such as a friend, a colleague or people who had been diagnosed with cancer or cancer survivors who can truly understand what you are going through. People who can provide support and understanding in this difficult times. Sometimes people don’t need immediate solutions to their problems but having someone who could listen to their aches and pains can lessen the baggage already.

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Divert your anger not on people but activities.

Pick productive hobbies such as doing your favorite exercise, go out with friends. However, some cancer patients especially those who are already undergoing treatments may lack the energy to do some activities. Chemotherapy, for example, have a lot of side effects that may drain energy, may cause a lack of appetite and even the interest in doing leisure. It is important that we remind these patients to be optimistic about their recovery and give them a light of hope.

Undergo counseling and therapy.

When things get tough and out of hand, getting help from licensed professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists can be helpful. Not only will they provide the necessary information about the nature of cancer but also on how to handle emotional outbursts and disappointments that patients may encounter on their road to recovery. They have the knowledge and experience when it comes to this matter. BetterHelp.com provided online therapy and patients with cancer can benefit from talking to one of their therapists or counselors.

Source: suanity.com

The thought processes of the patients with cancer are as complicated as the nature of their disease. Not only they suffer from the physical ill effects of cancer but its impact on their mental state which can even be worsened by medication side effects. It is like a roller coaster of guilt, blame, and anger on their end. Therefore, it is vital that caregivers extend their patience and understanding.

Polyps are growths of abnormal tissue that latch onto the linings of the organs.   They are mostly associated with cells that make and release mucus and other liquids.   Polyps may differ in size and shape.   They can look like little flat bumps, small mushroom-like stalks, or like a grape.   Colon polyps are the most common type of polyps, but it can develop in various parts of the body like:

• Ovary
• Uterus
• Throat
• Stomach
• Nose
• Ear canalSource:  medbullets.com

Colon polyps are common intestinal growths of excess tissue that grows on stem or stalk in the inner wall of the colon.   Some colon polyps do not contain cancer cells, but others can be cancerous over time.

 

Causes and Contributing factors

There are multiple factors which could increase the risk of colon polyps:

• Race
• Gender
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes
• Family history

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), is a rare inherited disorder where hundreds of polyps grow in the colon and rectum. These polyps, if left untreated, can cause colon cancer.

These risks can be lowered by:

• Exercise
• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Lessen the red meat and processed meat
• Watch your weight
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Avoiding smoking

Signs and Symptoms

There are colon polyps that are asymptomatic.  It cannot be detected that you have polyps, unless, your doctor finds it while doing bowel examination.  But to some, they may experience symptoms such as:

• Rectal bleeding
• Change in stool color
• Constipation
• Diarrhea that lasts longer than a week
• Crampy abdominal pain
• Iron deficiency anemia

Source:  netdoctor.co.uk

Diagnosis and Tests

There are colon polyps that are non-cancerous, but some polyps can progress to cancer over time.  It can be determined by performing a biopsy.   The polyp is examined to check if it is the type which can become cancer.

The Barium enema is a form of x-ray procedure that is used to diagnose polyp.   The entire colon can also be thoroughly examined by colonoscopy.   Artificial intelligence has contributed so much to the improvement and advancement of the technology.   EndoBrain, a computer-aided endocytoscopy, significantly increase the accuracy and sensitivity of polyp detection.  Detection of small polyps raised up to more than 90%, and this technology can capture images during real-time endoscopy.

Treatment and Prevention

Studies show that increasing your calcium intake can help prevent recurrence of colon polyps that often lead to colon cancer.

Polyps can sometimes be cancerous.  There is a process called polypectomy where n polyps once seen inside the lining of the colon can be removed, making it less likely to be malignant.

Source:  singaporemedicalclinic.com

It is of importance to pay attention to signs and symptoms.  For ages 50 and above, be sure to be screened regularly.   If you think you have risk factors, such as family history of colon cancer, consider undergoing genetic counseling and to do regular screening colonoscopy starting in young adulthood.  Once you feel or have doubts, it is always best to see a doctor.  Early detection is better than cure.  Treatment increases the possibility of good prognosis.