Dealing with a cancer diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel shocked, anxious or sad. Allow yourself time to absorb the news and prioritise preparing for appointments, self-care, rest and gentle activity.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel shocked, anxious or sad. Allow yourself time to absorb the news and prioritise preparing for appointments, self-care, rest and gentle activity.
“The period from the shock of initial diagnosis, through extensive treatment into recovery, had a huge physical and emotional impact. But the team at Cherry Lodge got me through those difficult months, and the support I received was a lifeline for me.”
Prepare for appointments
It’s very important to attend all your appointments, and can be helpful to write down a list of questions beforehand. Common questions might include what type of cancer is it? What are the treatment options? What are the side effects? What are the timelines for my proposed treatment? If possible, try to take a family member or friend to appointments with you, for support, and to help remember information.
Assemble a support network
In addition to your clinical team, friends and family, we are here to support you and now would be a good time to contact Cherry Lodge. New members will be invited to a consultation with one of our nurse-led team, who will have the time and space to talk about your diagnosis, offer support and suggest which of our many services may be helpful to you.
More about the support we offer.
Access the cancer pathway support guide
We recommend the The North Central London Cancer Alliance’s useful personalised digital guide as a tool to help you navigate your treatment. The NHS-based guide offers personalised guidance, including information, questions and support. Once set up, you can use the digital guide to keep notes, add questions and any other information you would like to remember. The information you have added will be saved for the next time you use your digital guide.
You can access the guide here.
Prioritise rest and gentle exercise
Try to focus on getting plenty of quality sleep and light physical activity to build strength before treatment. There are many ways Cherry Lodge can support you through our range of wellbeing activities, and we also partner with Oncomove, an organisation that creates science-led exercise programmes for people living with cancer, which offers 12 free online video sessions to our members.
Mental health
There is no “right” way to react to a cancer diagnosis. Feeling anxious is common, and we’re here to help with our range of counselling and complementary therapies from qualified therapists. Feelings of isolation are another common reaction, and you can find companionship and support through our community activities, befriending service and range of support groups.
Work and finances
If you are working, contact your HR department regarding sick pay and your rights. You may be eligible for benefits. Find out more about where our members can access expert advice on benefit entitlements here.
Links to organisations offering support for anyone who has recently received a cancer diagnosis include:
macmillan.org.uk
cancerresearchuk.org
breastcancernow.org
prostatecanceruk.org
bowelcanceruk.org.uk
bloodcancer.org.uk