August 11, 2014

9 Strategies for Easing Pain Without Drugs

When you’re in pain, seemingly nothing else matters. Whether it’s a dull ache or a stronger sensation, pain easily interferes with your ability to enjoy life and even function normally from day to day. Yet, for millions of Americans living in chronic pain, pain has become a way of life. More than one in four […]

February 28, 2014

3 Tips to Keep a Strong Relationship During Cancer

Given the many stressors related to a cancer diagnosis, it’s not surprising that problems can arise, affecting the stability of a relationship. The following recommendations provide helpful insight into ensuring relationships remain strong in the face of these challenges. 1. Keep the lines of communication open and draw on past experience. “Any time there’s a […]

February 28, 2014

Cancer and Divorce

A cancer diagnosis brings physical and emotional challenges, requiring both excellent medical care and a strong personal support system. When a couple chooses to divorce or separate during this time, managing the personal loss can present another hurdle. As difficult as this can be, there are strategies that can help you cope. Why Now? It […]

November 15, 2013

When You Need a Friend Most

No one makes friends more effortlessly than a sociable dog. And this particular type of friendship is joyful and genuine: full of love, fun and easy companionship. It’s just what you’re looking for when you’re sad, scared or lonely—likely familiar feelings if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. So why not bring these special friends to […]

November 15, 2013

7 Strategies for Coping with the Emotions of Cancer

It’s normal for many cancer survivors to feel anxious about their diagnosis, treatment and the potential for recurrence. These strategies can help patients cope with feelings of anxiety around cancer. Be aware that you don’t have control over some aspects of your cancer. Accepting this thought is one way to ease your emotions. Express your […]

August 20, 2013

8 Tips to Support Someone who is Grieving

After the loss of a loved one, grief can ebb and flow. People may feel that they have overcome the worst of their grief and then be surprised when they are overwhelmed again through a trigger like a holiday or other event, or even by something as simple as a particular fragrance or everyday occurrence. If […]

August 20, 2013

Coping with Grief

A cancer diagnosis takes the patient, caregiver and friends and family members into unfamiliar territory. For many, the journey will end with remission; in some cases, patients will live for many years with cancer as a chronic condition, managing the disease with an increasing array of treatment options; and, for some, the journey will ultimately […]

August 20, 2013

Real-Life Tips for Managing Stress

Patients who are experiencing stress can benefit from a variety of tools and strategies. Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) Facebook friends offered up their real-life coping strategies for stress that can accompany a cancer diagnosis: I try to be outdoors and be with nature. Fortunately, I live next to a big body of water […]