People with cancer may feel anxious, afraid, nervous or overwhelmed.
These are normal responses that may last from a few days to a few
weeks. But a more intense anxiety, beyond ordinary worry, can develop
over time and keep people from doing things that are important to them.
Did you know anxiety can be managed and treated so people can enjoy
life again? Below are some of the symptoms of serious anxiety.
- Your body is constantly tense
- You have racing thoughts
- You are unable to control how much time you spend
worrying
- You are
irritable most of the time
- You find yourself trembling or shaking
- You have noticed a racing heart, dry mouth, excess
sweating, or feeling
short of breath
- You expect the worst will happen (even though no one
has told you that)
Some people notice that they have 1 or 2 of these problems for
a short time after they learn they have cancer. You may want to print
out this checklist and discuss it with your doctor, nurse, or other
professional on your cancer care team. It may also help to get more
information on coping with cancer, how to talk with your family and
loved ones about cancer, and how to find a support group. Look for help
managing worries so they don't stop you from feeling as well as you
can.
It is very important to see a doctor if you are not coping with the
illness, have thought about dropping out of treatment, or have missed
medical appointments. Asking for help does not mean a person is crazy.
The stress of having cancer can cause serious anxiety for many people.
After seeing a doctor, you may feel better quickly because anxiety can
be treated. People are often shocked at how much better they feel, and
wonder why they waited so long to get help.
ACS support
programs reach cancer survivors and patients
throughout the US, and practical advice is available online to help
patients with managing
day-to-day and coping
with physical and
emotional changes. For more information call your American
Cancer
Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.
At the ACS
Cancer Survivors Network Web site you can trade information
and experiences with other patients and survivors—all from the
convenience of your own home.
Revised: 1/3/2008
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