Cancer is a
disease that begins in the various cells of our bodies. Each
of us has millions of different cells that are grouped
together to form tissues or organs such as muscles and
bones, the lungs, or the liver. Inside of each cell there
are genes that contain the cellular blueprints on how those
cells grow, work, reproduce and die. Normally, our
cells follow the blueprints that are programmed into our
cells. What this normal action occurs we remain
healthy. Sometimes a cell’s instructions get mixed up and
the cell behaves abnormally.
Over time,
groups of abnormal cells can form lumps or tumors, or can
spread to throughout the bloodstream and lymphatic system to
other parts of the body. Tumors can be either benign
(non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign
tumors cells stay are stationary and stay in one place in
the body. Benign tumors are usually not
life-threatening. On the other hand, malignant tumor
cells are able to invade the tissues around them and spread
to other parts of the body. when cancerous cells spread to
other parts of the body it is called metastases.
Usually, the first sign that a
malignant tumor has spread is swelling of nearby lymph
nodes, but cancer can metastasize to almost any part of the
body. It is important to find malignant tumors early and
treat them. Cancers are named after
the part of the body where they start. For example, cancer
that starts in the colon but spreads to the liver is called
colon cancer with liver metastases. Cancers that
spread, without control or treatment damage the healthy
cells in the body and can cause death. Early detection
and treatment can mean a permanent cure for many types of
cancer.
What to do first
Cancer is a word that brings fear to
most of us. It is important to remember than many cancers are
curable. Do not let your fear or the fear of your loved one
stop them from getting the best treatment available as soon as
possible.
Your loved one will be dealing with a
great deal during this time. It is important for you to be
strong and supportive to help in their recovery. If your own
emotions are making it difficult to be supportive look into a
therapist or support group that focuses on helping those who are
supporting a loved one with cancer.
Hearing a cancer diagnosis is very
difficult for many people. They may experience some or all of
these emotions: shock, worried, scared, anxious, guilty, angry, sad,
isolated, or depressed. They may feel different emotions at
different times. Do not take it personally if your loved one
expresses anger. Often it has nothing to do with you but is an
expression of the anger and frustration they are feeling over their
cancer diagnosis or treatment. Also, your loved one may want
to be alone to think through the many aspects of dealing with this
illness. Do not take this as a rejection. It's not about
you; its about your loved one.
Don't change towards your loved one or
withdraw from them because of your own fears about the illness.
Your support and encouragement can be a very important part of your
loved one's recovery.
Let your loved one lead the
conversation. Listen carefully to what is really being said
and try not to give too much advice that may not be wanted.
Don't treat your loved one differently
because they have cancer. Be yourself and offer to do the
things you did before the cancer diagnosis.
Unless you've also been treated for
cancer refrain from saying, "I know how you must feel." You do
not know how it feels to deal with cancer if you haven't dealt with
cancer personally.
Cancer treatment can last for a long
time so continue to be there for your loved one.
Remember that your loved one may have
a difficult time traveling or doing certain things while there are
undergoing treatment or if the cancer progresses. Be
thoughtful and creative in showing your caring. For example,
if a trip to the beauty salon is out of the question you might try
to have a stylist or manicurist come to the house. Help by preparing
meals or providing transportation to appointments. Above all,
be consistent and maintain your promises. Your loved one is
counting on you to remain supportive and consistent.
Sometimes, people with cancer do not
get better. You must allow your loved one to make difficult
decisions for themselves such as when to stop treatments and to live
the rest of their lives as they see fit. While most cancer
patients are able to face their death pain-free with narcotics it
will be very difficult for you to see your loved one stop treatment
and work towards a peaceful ending to this life. Get the help
that you need from a trained professional so that you can work
through your own issues regarding death and grief.
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of help please contact a professional in that field immediately. We
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