Colorectal Cancer: Post Treatment 0-6, 6+: The Basics: Stages II,III,IV
Give yourself time to recuperate. Expect setbacks and plateaus. They are a natural part of healing.
Let family members, friends and co-workers know you are still recovering. This may not be apparent when you begin to look like your former self. Continue to ask for help as you need it.
Pace yourself. No one can return to “before” overnight.
Do your best to keep a realistically optimistic attitude. We refer to this as a “positive attitude.”
- There’s a reason for the adage “the glass is always half full and half empty.” Try to focus on the half full side.
- Keep in mind that we are human. Do not become a slave to being positive or wallow in guilt for those times when you aren’t. (For more information, click here).
Focus on what you can control.
Prepare the best you can for what may come your way. Reading the summaries of the other documents in this part of the Guide will give you a good idea of what may happen relating to your health history, and what you can do about it.
Keep in mind that you are not your disease. You are a person with a history of colorectal cancer. Do not let cancer define who you are. (For more, click here.)
When you have contact with an employer or insurer:
- No matter how frustrating the process may be to deal with, try to be courteous and friendly. Only use anger consciously and sparingly.
- Make notes
- Keep copies
For information about contact with an employer, government employee, or insurer, click here.