Skip to main content

Cancer: The Unseen Effects

When it comes to cancer, most people only think of the physical changes like hair loss and weight loss. However, there are so many other side effects that go unnoticed.ancer is more than just hair loss and weight loss. It comes with a host of physical and emotional side effects - some of which you never knew existed. As someone who has lived through it, I want to share my personal experience and shed light on the often misunderstood effects of cancer.

Everything changed when I heard the words "you have cancer." It wasn't just a diagnosis, it was a journey of tears, fear, and hope.

Coping with Pain

The treatments gave me physical pain that made even walking excruciating. I turned to acupuncture and movement therapy to manage the symptoms.

The New Perspective

My experience of cancer taught me things I could never have learned otherwise. Now, I take every opportunity to live, love, and learn.

A Community that Cares

No one should go through cancer alone, and that's why I found a community support group. It was a place to share stories, make new friends, and offer hope to one another.

The Unseen Effects of Cancer

The Financial Burden

Cancer treatments are expensive. Cancer patients and survivors often face financial difficulties. These include higher insurance premiums, co-pays, and out-of-network charges.

Mental Health Issues

The emotional toll of cancer is significant. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among cancer patients and survivors.

Relationship Struggles

Cancer can affect personal and professional relationships. It can be challenging to maintain a healthy relationship during and after the cancer treatment.

Lifestyle Changes

Cancer survivors often have to make significant lifestyle changes. These changes include changes in diet, exercise, and working while recovering.

Why Talking About Cancer is Important

Reduce Stigma

Talking about cancer reduces the stigma. It helps individuals to understand that cancer is a disease and not a punishment.

Encourage Early Detection

Talking about cancer encourages individuals to get screened regularly and seek medical attention if they suspect symptoms. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Spread Awareness

Talking about cancer spreads awareness. It educates people about the disease, its effects, and how to help those dealing with it.

How Cancer Affects Your Body

Body System

Effects

Respiratory

Cancer can cause difficulty breathing and chronic coughing.

Integumentary

Cancer can affect the skin, hair, and nails. Hair loss and changes in skin color and texture are common.

Circulatory

Cancer can have an impact on the heart and blood vessels. Palpitations, anemia, and hypotension are potential effects.

Muscular/Skeletal

Joint and muscle pain and weakness are common effects of cancer.

The Emotional Toll of Cancer

Sadness & Depression

Feeling sad and mourning for what is happening or fear what could be coming is common for cancer patients.

Stress & Anxiety

Fear and worry for the future, the unknown, the impact your illness could have on your loved ones can cause anxiety and stress.

Hope & Resilience

Finding hope and positive moments along the journey makes it easier to cope with the emotional toll of cancer.

Resources for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Web Resources

  • Cancer.org
  • National Cancer Institute
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center

Community Groups

  • American Cancer Society
  • Cancer Support Community
  • Gilda's Club

Art & Music Therapy

  • The Art of Living Foundation
  • The American Music Therapy Association
  • The Harp Therapy Program

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

2024

 Here's what happened this yea!!!!  Lately I have been trying to reconstruct the website, to my vision it's been a wild ride with trying to build this ,authentically by myself. Its important to me that women receive the same if not better resources that I have been granted. I wanted to share my journey while actively going through it although its been hard af , its exactly what I needed I am so grateful for the community I have created for myself my new friends , new family , new sisters I mean honestly who the fuck would have thought Cancer would do this.  In 2024 I thought I would have went under reconstruction but NO I still have not ! most of ''24'' I was upset about that seeing my other breasties , get their surgeries made me feel so stuck. I was so happy for them , still am but I often feel like when am I next ? Well I now know ! No official date but thats my fault ,  I just recently was introduced to a new surgeon tho I think may be my potential new dr. I...

Embracing the Power of Yes: A Journey of Change and Growth

The concept of New Year's resolutions often comes to mind. Personally, I have never been a firm believer in setting resolutions, but I have come to realize that there are certain patterns in my life that I consistently strive to change. One such pattern is my desire to read more. Every year, I make a promise to myself that I will dedicate more time to reading, and yet, I often find myself falling short of this goal. It's a recurring cycle that I can't seem to break. Perhaps it's my Virgo nature that contributes to this cycle. As a Virgo, I am known for my meticulous planning and attention to detail. I always get a planner and jot down all the things I intend to do. It's almost comical how I am constantly "Virgoing" – a term I use to describe my tendency to overanalyze and overthink things. While this trait can be useful in certain aspects of life, it often becomes a hindrance when it comes to creativity and spontaneity. Being a creative person, ...