Our cancer diagnosis has turned our worlds upside down. At first, many of us deny the disease and live in a state of depression and fear. It is normal to feel angry and scared, there are ways to cope with the fear.

As denial passes, we accept the fact that we have cancer and must come to grips with how to live our lives with this disease while still managing to enjoy everything around us. How do you adapt to life with cancer?

You come first

When we begin to fight against cancer, we must place our own needs first. For many people, this shift in priorities can be a difficult adjustment to make.

Many of us are caregivers who have placed the needs of family and friends first. Suddenly we are faced with having to focus on ourselves. While this may seem strange or selfish, such a shift is essential. Keep company with only faith believing Christians, stay away from negative people.

Time that may have once been spent on family or friends must now be spent in doctor's offices, treatment rooms and support groups. It is okay that the world revolves around you and your needs during this period of time.

Life must go on

Cancer is called the "Big C" for obvious reasons. Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most stressful experiences we can go through. Most of us are caught totally by surprise, and thus are unprepared for the upheaval.

However, while our world changes, life must go on. Although we are grappling with treatment options and life-or-death decisions, we still need to pay bills, send the kids to school, and do our jobs. We may be tempted to intentionally distract ourselves with continuing to devote time and energy to all of these demands -- but we can't.

A certain degree of healthy distraction is good -- a reminder of normalcy in a suddenly surreal existence -- but it is imperative that we not not allow the background noise to impede our focus on the fight against cancer. This is a fight we can win.

Being the quarterback

Embrace the clichés! They are clichés because they have worked for many people. We are the quarterbacks of our teams, the generals leading our troops into battle, NASCAR drivers about to start a race.


Think clearly, plan the attack, and focus on preparing to manage side effects, the physical changes and emotional impacts cancer invokes.

A support crew will assist along the way, but we must take charge -- we are the ones on the battlefield. By showing the troops that we intend to fight to stay around far into the future, we set an example of the strength and love it will take to win. Your Faith in God is the only tool you will need in this battle with the devil! Remember, you have got to do the Natural in order for God to do the supernatural!

Refocusing priorities

Where ever we find ourselves when diagnosed, we'll need to refocus our priorities.

• Stay positive: The road will be bumpy and it will be extremely difficult at times but do everything you can to stay positive.
• Maintain focus: Keep focused on your treatment plan, managing side effects and taking it each day at a time.
• Set limits: Recognize and admit that you may no longer be able to do it all. It's okay.
• Delegate: After you've set your limits of what you can and can't do, re-allocating responsibilities is critical. Ask for help from family and friends.
• Stay healthy: Your body will need every ounce of energy you can give it. Consider adopting more nutritous eating habits.

• Adapt: Grow and adapt to your new life and those around you will follow suit.

See also

• Staying positive
• Healthy living
• Re-allocating responsibilities
• Managing side effects