The treatment process is filled with changes and uncertainty. Each patient responds differently to treatment, and complications are hard to predict. Patients often adapt to this by taking each day one at a time.

Your goals

• Adapt to change.
• Cope with uncertainty.

Important signs and symptoms to report to your doctor or nurse

• Feeling dread and apprehension continuously for several days.
• Physical symptoms such as sweaty palms, shaking, or rapid heartbeat. Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by side effects of some cancer treatments.
• Wide mood swings that you cannot control.

What you can do at home

• Identify the change that is taking place and the options you have.
• Discuss these changes with family and caregivers.
• Ask for explanations.
• Keep track of questions and information in a notebook.
• When planning for the future, limit the time span as much as possible.
• If plans need to be made, consider alternatives and back-up plans.
• Talk about your hopes and disappointments with someone who listens.

"Symptom Management" - Table of Contents >>  Suggestions for Coping with Care at Home >>  Anemia >>  Anxiety >>  Bleeding >>  Body Image Changes >>  Breathing Problems >>  Change and Uncertainty >>  Constipation >>  Dehydration >>  Depression >>  Diarrhea >>  Fatigue >>  Fever >>  Hair Loss >>  Infection >>  Kidney and Bladder Effects >>  Memory and Concentration >>  Mouth Pain/ Mucositis >>  Nausea and Vomiting >>  Nerve and Muscle Effects >>  Pain >>  Sexuality >>  Sleep Disturbances >>  White Blood Cells >>  Symptom Notes