WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'VE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

Any kind of cancer sef.

Remember I told you guys that this month will be all about Breast Cancer (Refresh your memory here). It's important you pay attention because Cancer, especially Cancer of the breast is not what any man or woman should experience. Shocked?! Men get Cancer of the breast too nah, and theirs is much easier to detect because of the less breast tissue.

Women, especially women in the reproductive age are diagnosed with cancer every second to minute. Imagine the shock of knowing that you are going to die and in pain. Most times it's not the disease that kills but knowledge of the disease. Some people just don't know how to handle the bad news and so become paralyzed with the information. You don't need to be that person. We are all going to die oneday but we just don't know when.

So, have you just been told that you have Cancer? Here are some helpful tips on how to handle the news:

1. Be sure you are with a close relative whom you trust to be with you when the news is been broken to you. You need all the support you can get, especially from a loved one.

2. Stay calm and take a deep breath in and out. Try to absorb every word said. It's not the end of the world or your life.

3. It's very okay to cry or express other forms of emotions.

4. Be sure you to get the basic facts about your illness from your doctor. The information you get will depend on how much you want to know. You have the RIGHT to get as much information on your illness as possible from your doctor.

5. Ask your doctor "What next?". It's important you do this so that no precious time is wasted. Every second counts. 

6. Now what you do with all the news or information on the disease, is all up to you. It's your decision and nobody else's...and it has to be respected. Who do you want to share the news with? Your children? Your immediate close relatives? Your co-workers? It is not compulsory for you to spread the news especially to people who will not add meaning to your life, you are not trying to buy sympathy but needed support in the course of your treatment and hopefully, recovery. 

People who have recently been diagnosed with cancer, especially Nigerians, have a bad habit of hiding information. Please, if necessary, tell your important co-workers, especially the ones that work directly with you. They could assist in making your life easier.

7. Please don't ask the question, "God, why me?" Then, who should it have been?! No time, my dear. You are not dead and by God's grace, you won't die. Start embracing life to the fullest. Appreciate every minute with your loved ones. It's important you are in a happy mode. Cancer cells grow more when you are constantly in a bad mood or depressed. In order to get better or improve your health, make yourself happy. Don't dwell too much on the thought of having cancer. 

8. To be on the safe side, you can make a 'Bucket list' or take another look at your will. 

9. When you start treatment, remember the people you love and fight to stay alive. I can tell you for sure that it will not be easy. The devil may tempt you to give up on your treatment, don't...remind yourself what you are fighting for. Keep your eyes on the 'Finish Line'!

10. Join a Breast Cancer Support group or anything similar. Do not isolate yourself. Find out how others fought the disease and survived it, as well as those undergoing treatment presently. You need group support apart from family support. 

11. Keep researching on the disease. Keep a note of questions you need clarifications for from your doctor on your next appointment.

12. Always keep to your hospital appointment.

God will see you through.

If you have any questions, you can send me personal mails at naijahousewife@gmail.com or send text to 08164968203.