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When The Improbable
 Is Possible

The Survivor's Guide

Learning that you have cancer is scary.  When you hear those three words it is often as though the world stands still.  A plethora of emotions will surround you and your first thoughts may be filled with questions and fear.  You will probably feel that your “normal” life is about to change, and in some ways it will. You will have to find acceptance with your diagnosis in your own mind and then share this news with your family and friends. There will be appointments to keep, treatment decisions to make, and medical bills to pay. Familiar routines may become disrupted or disappear altogether. Your ability to cope with these changes and the reality of your diagnosis can be one of the most important steps you will take in maintaining a positive outlook on life.

The first step in making your life “normal” again is to realize that you will most likely cope with your liver tumors in the same manner you have handled other aspects of your life. You are still the same person you have always been. You will learn to substitute new roles for lost ones, and will continue to adapt to the changes life will bring your way.

Areas that often affect the survivor encompass emotional, physical, and financial well-being.

• The Emotional Rollercoaster
When you are facing a serious illness, your emotions can play an important role in how you feel about life, and these emotions can extend to your family and friends as well. You can minimize the impact by understanding that your feelings are normal, and then by moving ahead and becoming proactive in your treatment and care.

• Who Is This Person In The Mirror?
Many people think of coping as only an emotional process, but dealing with treatment regimens and their potential side effects, as well as quality of life concerns must also be addressed. While you can’t control the fact that you have been diagnosed with liver tumors, you can learn to minimize its effects on your health and wellness.

• Financial Hurdles

Serious illnesses like liver tumors can deplete your savings quickly. Most cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can be very expensive and because of the importance of liver tumors, you may feel you want or need to travel to a specialist for a second opinion or for treatments not available in your local area. By being aware of the financial resources available, including compensation from health organizations, you can help ease the stress on yourself and your family and, therefore, maintain control over your life.