First and foremost is the lack of control on what is happening to you and the unknown. The wait for a plan is unbearable but once a plan is in place, comes fear of how you will deal with what lies ahead. I do think education is vital for your travel in this process. Accurate information helps you to make informed choices that are right for you but always get your information from reliable sources. Next I would say seek support and there are avenues in your community, in person, online, and over the telephone. Individual counseling may also help you to develop strategies for coping with the complexity of your emotions and concerns you are facing. Then I would recommend that you share your feelings and give those people around you a chance to support you. It is important to be specific and this allows your friends and family the opportunity to be helpful and reduce frustration all around. Take time to look and feel your best in whatever way that helps you, find out what works for you. Probably the hardest for some of us is to let yourself feel loved and cared for, you may have been distancing yourself from those that love you the most but talk about what your needs are and discuss your concerns with your doctors and nurses. Cancer itself is difficult to cope with but the emotions that challenge are often misinterpreted thus forcing demands on all involved but developing strategies to cope with some of these complex issues can help youface what lies ahead.
The thing I have learned in my journey is that throw the small stuff away and avoid the negative. I look for positive, upbeat, supportive people and those that think they are helping but continually bringing a tarnished perspective, I just don't focus on as no one is intentionally trying to hurt you in their words or actions but out of lack of awareness on their part- push the buttons that you don't need or want in your life. Again, I MAKE IT A GOOD DAY!
S