One of the worst possible things that many people fear after having waited for the results of one or more medical tests or scans is to be told that you have cancer. Throat cancer, although often most closely associated with lifestyle causes, such as long-term smoking, can be caused by numerous other factors, and navigating this treatment journey can vary dramatically from other forms of cancer. With this in mind, here is what you need to know about living with throat cancer.
Adopt a Practical Mindset
First and foremost, in the first few days and weeks after having received a throat cancer diagnosis, you are unlikely to be feeling anything other than wholly negative emotions, and while this is entirely understandable, lingering in this headspace is not going to improve your body and how you feel.
After having initially gotten your head around the fact you have throat cancer in the first place, it is time to adopt a practical mindset and start to think about things you may need, changes which may well be needed to make to your home, your bedroom and even your daily schedule, both while being treated and during recovery.
Prioritize Self-Care
Too often, those who are living with a serious illness, especially during the treatment process, spend far too much time worrying about how the people around them are feeling and even trying to minimize pain and emotions in order to protect the people they love.
While this is admirable and more than common, if there were ever a time to allow your partner, your friend, and other family members to take care of you, then living with throat cancer and going through treatment is it.
Not only should you relax enough to allow your loved ones to take care of you, but you also need to prioritize self-care right from the beginning.
When treated for throat cancer at the eminent cancer treatment center moffitt.org, emphasis is placed on not only physically navigating through the course but also how to emotionally cope with the changing roles and relationships between the patient and their nearest and dearest.
The Key Facts About Throat Cancer
The third most important element of adjusting to life as someone who is living with throat cancer is to make it your mission to learn everything (from only reputable websites, media, and professionals, of course) about the illness.
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There are several different forms of throat cancer, from cancer of the esophagus to the voice box, to the upper part of the throat, to the lower section, and the actual location of the tumor will dictate the treatment surgical and aftercare plan your doctor will suggest. Adopting a positive mindset, it would also be advisable to learn ways and means of preventing throat cancer from returning in the future, with the key pieces of advice being to avoid smoking cigarettes and cigars entirely, limit your alcohol intake, protect yourself from HPV and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables every day.