Dealing with cancer is an experience that can affect many areas of our lives. It affects not only our body, but also our mind and soul. The emotional impact of all of these changes is incredibly difficult for families.
When treatment is over, these feelings and their effects may continue to exist, or new ones may appear. There are no specific feelings about defeating cancer. Each survivor is as unique as their experience. You are more likely to experience a combination of emotions, some of which may be positive. For example, you may feel satisfied that you came closer to certain people in your family or social circle, or you may feel confident that you have discovered what strengths you have as a person. On the other hand, some of these emotions can make you feel uncomfortable, confused, and simply overwhelmed.
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If you feel this way throughout your journey, you are not alone! Changes in emotions and mood in general during treatment are very common. During the diagnosis you may have felt fear, sadness, and anxiety. Then you may begin to feel more optimistic when deciding which treatment to take.
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Can cancer treatments make me feel emotional?
Some cancer treatments can really affect the mind. You may have experienced multiple changes in your mood during treatment. Many people have described this period as a roller-coaster of emotions. And even after treatment, many people are surprised at themselves, especially when they discover that they have constant changes in their emotions and mood. Completing treatment can be intense and exhausting, but there are some some treatments that don’t have as many side effects, such as proton treatment which has numerous benefits.
Common Emotions when Dealing with Cancer treatments
Fear of recurrence
Will cancer recur? The fear of cancer coming back is one of the most common emotions. You may be particularly concerned if you still have symptoms from the cancer itself or its treatment.
Body image
If cancer has caused physical changes, you may be concerned about your image and what others are thinking of your appearance. You may feel different about your body now and this will affect the image you have of yourself.
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Sadness
Sadness is to be expected since you are constantly dealing with unexpected changes and stressful situations. Grief may be the least expected feeling after the end of your treatment. As you have been committed to the practicalities of your treatment, you may never have thought deeply about the changes that cancer has brought to your life and how you will adapt to them. You may have experienced cancer losses that take time to accept. But it is a normal reaction to your attempt to adapt to the changes that have taken place.
Depression
Depression is different from sadness. And depression can be caused by unexpected, stressful events or loss, or by a chemical change that the brain has undergone. Depression is much more intense than sadness and lasts longer. Some of the symptoms of depression are: Permanent changes in your eating habits, lack of interest in activities you enjoyed, insomnia, feelings of exhaustion, resentment, pessimism, inability to feel any kind of joy, inability to concentrate, feeling suicidal. Depression is treatable. If you have any of these symptoms or other symptoms that prevent you from feeling yourself or that generally prevent you from having a good mood, talk to your doctor.
Please remember that you do not have to suffer in silence, you can reach out to Cancer Net USA.
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