But the best people to speak to these hurdles are those who have experienced them firsthand.
Their best advice, below.
Allow yourself to lean on family and friends.
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On the days she was feeling down, she made a point of calling her kids or siblings.
They were more than willing to listen and offer words of encouragement.
It’s also important to be specific in your requests for support, McGregor says.
Give yourself permission to feel all of your emotions, but create boundaries for your fear.
Initially, Stommel tried to stay strong in front of everyone, despite feeling fearful.
I didnt want to look weak and I didnt want anyone to feel sorry for me, she says.
In fact, a fearful reaction after a diagnosis and throughout the journey is completely normal.
3. give a shot to maintain a sense of humor.
I needed to laugh and stay positive instead of focusing on the negative, she says.
A good sense of humor has always helped me in difficult times.
Keep up with your hobbies and interests to help maintain a sense of normalcy.
I continued to motor through life as usual, she tells SELF.
I had moments that I didnt feel great, she says.
But I knew it was temporary, and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
And you dont need to be a triathleteto benefit from exercise following a cancer diagnosisphysically and mentally.
Even a 30-minute walk every day will help, Medley-Russell says.
I honestly believe I didnt suffer as so many do because I continued to exercise.
This is exactly what 56-year-old Kym Roley, from Honolulu, did after her ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Don’t wait until something like this happens before you do the things you want to do!
“I think of it like money: you should probably budget your energy and invest wisely.
Be an active participant in your health care.
It was important for Roley to educate herself about her illness.
I wanted to know every detail, she says.
Dr. Frey encourages patients to have frequent, open, and honest communication with their gynecologic oncologist.
However, only 14 percent of the group reported that this bang out of discussion occurred for them regularly.
Be proactive about taking care of your mental healthaftertreatment is over.
Friends and family will want this; they want this disease to be over,” McGregor says.
Everyones experience after a cancer diagnosis is different, of course.
I always say that challenges make us stronger, and help us to appreciate life that much more.
