The Wellness Community

Frankly Speaking About Colorectal Cancer

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(Second edition)

Main Page The Patient Active Approach   Ten actions people with colorectal cancer can take   Being Patient Active with colorectal cancer Understanding Colorectal Cancer   Signs and symptoms   Risk Factors   Genetic testing   Screening   Diagnosis and Staging   Seeking a second opinion   Stages of colorectal cancer Building and Working with Your Healthcare Team   Key members of your healthcare team   Communication is the key to getting your needs met with ease   Asking questions Treatment for Colorectal Cancer   Surgery for colon cancer   Surgery for rectal cancer   Surgery for metastatic colorectal cancer   Chemotherapy   Chemoradiation   Targeted (or biologic) treatments   How you get treatments for colorectal cancer   Colorectal cancer treatment table   Treatment options by stage   Treatment issues with incurable disease   Participating in clinical trials   Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) Managing Side Effects of Colorectal Cancer Treatments   Managing surgery side effects   Ostomy (colostomy or ileostomy)   Managing side effects of chemotherapy and targeted therapy   Managing side effects of radiation for rectal cancer   Managing bowel obstructions and/or perforations Quality of Life Considerations   Dealing with distress   The value of emotional support   Support groups   Advocacy   Counseling   Close relationships   Helping children cope   Talking about colorectal cancer   Humor   Sexuality   Spirituality   Making the mind-body connection   Managing career and financial concerns   When treatment is over   Recurrence   Death and dying Resources   Support for people living with ostomies   Help with financial and legal concerns   Government agencies   Clinical trial information   Culturally specific resources go

Ten Patient Active steps people with colorectal cancer can take in their fight for recovery

• Stay in the moment. Try to focus on resolving only today's problems. Take one step at a time, and try not to become bogged down with worst-case scenarios, as the future is unknown.
• Help others understand what you need. Be open with friends and family about how you want them to treat you. Most people want to help, but they often do not know how. Offer them specific examples such as helping to run errands, preparing meals, driving you to appointments, etc.
• Do what you enjoy! If you are able to participate in activities you enjoyed before the diagnosis, keep doing them. Ask your friends to help, but also give yourself permission to spend time alone when you need to.
• Retain as much control of your life as is reasonable. If you are feeling that you've lost control to health professionals, loved ones, or even the disease itself, list things you are feeling less control over and decide what is realistic for you to take back. Even the simplest things can help enhance your feelings of control.
• Seek relaxation. The relaxation response is a calm, controlled physical state that may enhance the immune system for a period of time. The more you practice relaxation, the easier it becomes. Consider joining a relaxation or meditation program in your community or find activities that relax you such as taking a short walk, reading, or listening to music.
• Steer clear of negative words in relation to the illness. Language can be a powerful tool in helping to retain feelings of hope, control, and wellness. People facing cancer no longer are seen as 'victims' but as survivors, many of whom describe themselves as thriving after cancer.
• Acknowledge your feelings. The cancer experience triggers many strong emotions. The healthiest thing you can do is to find constructive ways to express the full range of emotions you may be feeling through talking and sharing with others, physical activity or creative pursuits.
• Become partners with your doctor. Your doctor will be looking for cues about how you want to receive information, make decisions, and learn about colorectal cancer and its treatment. Let your doctor know what kind of communication you need. If you have tried and cannot develop a satisfactory relationship with your doctor, consider finding another one.
• Spend time with other cancer survivors. People with cancer often find a sense of comfort in being with others who share their experiences - in person, online or on the telephone. Consider asking your doctor or nurse, TWC, C3, or other organizations listed in the Resources section of this website for ways to connect with other people dealing with colorectal cancer.
• You can hope for many things. There are millions of people in the world today for whom cancer is just a memory. Every type of cancer has some recovery rate. If physical recovery becomes unlikely, one can hope for spiritual or emotional recovery. People who find something that gives them hope are often better equipped to handle whatever challenges lie ahead. Talk about what gives you hope and what you hope for, now and in the future.

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