Allegiance Health

When you are used to doing things for yourself, you might find it hard to ask for help. It may seem more natural for you to take care of others than to let others take care of you. But a cancer diagnosis tends to change roles—at least for a while. 

An important part of your recovery is keeping up your strength and getting the rest your body needs to heal. For that, you’re going to need the support of trusted friends or family members. You’re going to need a team. According to the American Cancer Society, having a support team can help you feel less anxious and depressed and can improve your quality of life as you go through cancer treatment. 

Some cancer survivors suggest that you only tell a few trusted people when you first get your diagnosis. This will give you a chance to get your thoughts together and will help keep you from getting swamped with phone calls you don’t feel like taking just yet. When you are ready to share the news with more people, it may help to choose a “point person” who can call or email others with updates on your care. You might also consider creating a Web page that will keep friends informed. It’s easy and free to do that through such organizations as Caring Bridge. 

When building your support team, think about what help means to you. Do you want someone to take you to your doctor appointments and treatments? It can be very helpful to have another set of ears when you are feeling overwhelmed. A supportive person can also help you remember symptoms you’ve had or questions you want to ask your doctor.

Maybe you want help with daily tasks like cooking, laundry and paying bills. You may need someone to help with personal care, like washing your hair or giving you a backrub. And you might want someone who can make you laugh or just divert your attention from your cancer, if even for a short time. The following link is geared for women with breast cancer, but the information is relevant to men and women with all types of cancer.

Chances are you will want all of these things at different times. Building a team of caregivers means that you won’t have to depend on just one person. A team of people can take turns with tasks. So think about who would best fill the roles, then ask them.

The people who care about you are likely feeling helpless right now. By asking for their help and giving them a specific job to do, you are actually helping them to feel useful.

Don’t be afraid to be honest about what you want—and what you don’t want, and let them know when you are tired or need some time alone.

Many people find comfort and encouragement from talking with others who share their cancer experience. Here's a list of online resources offered by the American Cancer Society. 

A good resource for young women who are facing breast cancer is the Young Survival Coalition. 

Allegiance Health has just started Lean on Me, a mentorship program that matches newly diagnosed patients with someone who has survived cancer and is willing to lend personal support. For information, call our Patient Navigator at 517-780-7388. We also offers in-person support groups for breast cancer (RENEW - 517-789-5693), prostate cancer (Man to Man - 800-227-2345). Both groups are free and welcome new members at any time.

One thing many of us dread about turning 50 is going in for our first colonoscopy, as recommended in the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer. The exam is performed to identify any changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum in order to prevent colorectal cancer.

If you feel a little uncomfortable just thinking about having a colonoscopy, that’s perfectly normal. No one says colonoscopies are fun, but they are necessary. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for both men and women. While the number of new cases is still high, it has dropped dramatically over the past 20 years, which is largely attributed to the fact that more people are getting colonoscopies.

Colorectal cancer nearly always starts with non-cancerous (benign) growths called polyps, which would typically be identified and removed during a colonoscopy. Given the alternative of colon cancer, most would agree that a colonoscopy is worth the inconvenience. 

The colonoscopy procedure involves a flexible tube with a tiny video camera at the tip. This is inserted into the rectum, allowing the doctor to see the inside of the entire colon. If polyps or other types of abnormal tissue are detected, they will be removed through the scope during the exam. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken as well. You should not feel any discomfort and probably won’t remember the procedure after it’s completed, because the medications commonly used for sedation during a colonoscopy will put you into a sleepy and relaxing “twilight” state.

Some people say the most difficult part of a colonoscopy isthe preparation. This has improved significantly over the years, but it is still necessary to completely empty the colon in order for the exam to be successful. Instructions will vary by doctor, but they typically include avoiding solid foods the day before the exam. On the evening before your colonoscopy, you will take something prescribed by your doctor to cleanse your bowels, which will likely cause diarrhea.

The best news is that if no polyps or other abnormalities are found during the colonoscopy, you generally won’t need another one for 10 years, according to the American Cancer Society. Frequency may vary with individuals, so be sure to check with your doctor.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, or have other related risk factors or symptoms, you should consult your doctor. You may need to have your first colonoscopy before you turn 50.

In addition to having a colonoscopy, you may be able to lower your risk for colorectal cancer with regular physical activity, good nutrition and a low intake of alcohol. Click here fordetails. 

Watch these pages for more cancer-related blogs.