How do patients cope with cancer?
The diagnosis of melanoma can change the lives of patients and the people who care about them. These changes can be hard to handle. Patients and their families and friends may have many different and sometimes confusing emotions.
At times, patients and those close to them may be frightened, angry, or depressed. These are normal reactions when people face a serious health problem. Many people handle these thoughts and feelings best when they share them with their loved ones. Sharing can help everyone feel more at ease and can open the way for others to show their concern and offer support.
Worries about tests, treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. Doctors, nurses, or other members of the health care team can help calm fears and ease confusion about treatment, working, or other activities. Patients may want to talk with them about the future, family relationships, finances, and other concerns. It can also help to talk with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy, especially about feelings and other personal matters.
Patients and their families are naturally concerned about what the future holds. Sometimes they use statistics to try to figure out whether the patient will be cured or how long he or she will live. It is important to remember, however, that statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. They can't be used to predict what will happen to a certain patient because no two cancer patients are alike. The doctor who takes care of the patient and knows his or her medical history is in the best position to discuss the person's outlook (prognosis).
People should feel free to ask the doctor about their prognosis, but not even the doctor knows for sure what will happen. When doctors talk about surviving cancer, they may use the term remission rather than cure. Even though many patients who have early stage melanoma recover completely, doctors use this term because melanoma can recur.
How do patients cope with cancer?
