Physical stuff
Physical aspects
A cancer diagnosis is usually detected by its symptoms. Signs and symptoms of cancer are usually related to many other common illnesses, so a visit to your regular doctor doesn’t usually confirm the diagnosis of cancer. Persistent ill-health will result in further investigation through x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and laboratory findings, upon which identification of cancer may occur. Common symptoms of cancer may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Headaches
- Persistent pain in bones, joints, the backs of legs
- Lumps, excessive bruising, bleeding
- Nausea
- Constant tiredness
- Recurring and unexplained fevers
However, just because you have some of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer!!
Questions to ask the doctor
- What type of cancer do I have? What does this mean in everyday language?
- What part of my body does the cancer I have effect?
- How do you know that I have cancer? What types of tests are you going to do?
- Can I get a second opinion?
- What can I read to help me understand my cancer better?
- What type of treatment will I have? Does the cancer treatment have side effects? Can you give me more information on my treatment?
- How often do I have to come into hospital for my treatment? Will I have to stay in hospital for a long time?
- What happens if I don’t have the treatment?
- What will happen to my work or school while I am in hospital?
- What can I do that will help me get through this? Is there something I should eat, activities I need to do?
- When you talk to my parents, please always include me in the discussions?
- Please always tell me the truth about what is going on?
Emotional aspects
When cancer is diagnosed it is a shock for you and your family. You may feel numb, angry, confused, shattered and scared, and want to blame everyone – your parents, the doctor – anyone. Most of us grow up thinking that cancer only happens to old, sick people – not young people or people in your family. But cancer affects people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood, and having a diagnosis in the family of cancer, be it yourself, your sibling or your parent, immediately creates both physical and emotional challenges.
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