Become Patient Active
17 Mar 2008 by Wendi Lewis under Organizations, Research/Treatment
The Lung Cancer Alliance, in cooperation with The Wellness Community, has developed some great information to help people facing a diagnosis of lung cancer to feel and act empowered about their future.
The Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and advocacy to lung cancer patients, surviors, families, caregiver and those at risk for the disease.
The Patient Active Concept helps people with lung cancer to approach the choices they make with their health care team with a mind set of active participation, helping them to regain a sense of control in what can be an overwhelming situation.
Here are 10 things The Wellness Community recommends:
- Stay in the moment. Focus on resolving today’s problems and not projecting scenarios of an uncertain future.
- Help others understand what you need. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Be open and honest about how you want others to treat you.
- Do what you enjoy! If you feel well enough, participate in activities you enjoyed before your diagnosis.
- Retain as much control of your life as is reasonable. It might help to make a list of areas you feel you’ve lost control and talk with those who care about you to regain a feeling of comfort in this area.
- Seek relaxation. A calm, controlled physical state may enhance your immune system.
- Steer clear of negative words in relation to the illness. Use hopeful words like “survivor” instead of “victim.”
- Acknowledge your feelings. Find a constructive way to express your emotions, don’t keep them bottled up.
- Become partners with your doctor. Open communication, ask questions and share honest information.
- Spend time with other cancer survivors. In person, on line, or on the phone.
- You can hope for many things. Keep hope for recovery - physical, spiritual, emotional.
These tips are just a tiny bit of the information included in the guide Frankly Speaking about Lung Cancer, available from the Lung Cancer Alliance and The Wellness Community. Contact the Lung Cancer Alliance online, or call 800-298-2436.
