Coping Strategies for Ovarian Cancer Patients and Families

An ovarian cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of an overwhelming journey. A journey that is bound to be filled with both physical and psychological ups and downs. It may prove difficult to cope with all of the challenges of an ovarian cancer diagnosis, including the physical side effects of treatment and fears relating to the future. It can leave you and your loved ones feeling lost, anxious, and hopeless. This is to be expected.

It is not always easy, but over time, many women find that they are able to deal with the changes caused by their diagnosis and to resume to the things of utmost importance to them. In fact, there are numerous sources of information and support available for those coping with ovarian cancer. Here are a few coping strategies that may be able to help you:

Acknowledge and manage your feelings

After finding out that you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, confused, frightened, angry or guilty. These are all normal responses. Every woman reacts differently and sometimes, it can be hard to face the fact that you have cancer at all.

Your feelings will fluctuate throughout your treatment and onward. From time to time, you may even become hopeless and think that only luck can help you. While it is only natural that you would feel this way, negative thoughts can be harmful to you and they can spread to those around you.

Talking about your feelings and your treatment options with your doctor, family, friends or a support group may be helpful. Together, you can try to work through them. Remember that with time, the negative thoughts will ease. In the meantime, you should focus on your health and try to adopt a positive attitude. You will need your mind and your body to fight the disease.

Understand your diagnosis and treatment plan – Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. There are a wide range of treatments for ovarian cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and surgery. Together with your doctor, you can determine the best approach for your individual situation. Asking questions and talking openly with them about your concerns will allow you to gather as much information as possible so that you can make informed decisions. If you need the support, have a loved one be by your side.

Understanding your diagnosis and treatment helps you to know what to expect. It can help you to prepare yourself both mentally and physically so that you can feel more in control.

Read on to learn more about the most effective ways to cope.