The Different faces of fear

Fear is a powerful emotion that many people with cancer experience. Fear about the future and all that it might bring is paramount in most Survivor’s minds, but working through such fear is difficult. One of the most successful ways of coping with fear is to gain knowledge and control over the situation.

Most of the survivors are afraid that their cancer will recur, but for those living with a recurrence or metastasis, the primary concern is keeping the cancer in check. In many cases, who are being treatment of some sort each doctors visit can generate the fear that the cancer may have spread. In addition  to the feeling of great anxiety that the cancer may have spread.

Coping with fear

Information and a sense of control can be effective in managing fear. Stress management techniques can also help. Relaxation techniques like visual imagery and meditation have also helped people cope with these overwhelming feelings.

When dealing with ongoing cancer management – either repeated doctor visits, tests or treatments. It can be very unsettling to think about what the future may hold. Survivor who have been living with cancer for many years often find that they and their doctors are navigating uncharted territory. Although this can be very positive after all you’re beating the odds. It can also be frightening because the future is less predictable, somewhat like driving along a winding road without being able to see around the next bend.

When the future seems uncertain, most people with cancer feel that living in the moment is the best way to move forward with life. Many survivors feel that having an outside interest or hobby  or focusing on a goal are beneficial diversions. These activities are reminders of the present and can be very comforting. Some even coach themselves through anxiety by taking out loud, reminding themselves to live for today

Fear of physical, Financial or emotional dependence

Most Survivors fear of becoming physically, financially or emotionally dependent on those they love.

In most of the cases the high costs of treatment or apparent physical limitations can be very real reminders of dependence on others. Most often, reassurance can help you deal with this fear, as can taking steps to assert your independence in whatever ways you can. In many cases the family and friends who care for you are doing so out of deep love and respect and for all that you have given to them. Perhaps you should think about the assistance of others in a different way that every routine task done instead by a caring family member or friend allows you to save your energy for the things that matter most.

Some people offer help and assistance because they feel that you are too fragile or unable to do certain things for yourself. Speaking up honestly at these times can give you back some of the control that these “helpers” take away. By establishing your boundaries. You can maintain a sense of independence.

Financial concerns, however, can be a more serious issue for some people.