You’ve just been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer or you’re facing tests to find out if you have the disease. You’re scared, probably terrified. You may feel helpless with no idea of where to begin.
Know that you have options and that there are good choices that you can make to help yourself:
- Learn all you can. Here is a good place to start.
- Find the best medical care.
- Seek out emotional support.
Information is the key to defeating a sense of helplessness when you are faced with cancer. Knowing as much as you can about colorectal cancer and about your own cancer in particular will help you, not only in the beginning but in the weeks and months to come.
The more you know, the less helpless you will feel. The less helpless you feel, the more hopeful you will be.
However, information alone cannot serve as a substitute for the discussions you will have with your treatment team. Information will help you have a better understanding of your disease, and will increase your understanding of your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
Take one step at a time and you won’t be overwhelmed. Start here, at the navigation bar on the right or order Frankly Speaking About Colorectal Cancer, a book that was written in collaboration with the Cancer Support Community. It is available for download or in hard copy, free of charge.
