Colorectal Cancer: In Treatment: Emotional Well Being

Emotions may run rampant during treatment. You may feel numb, confused, shocked, angry, depressed, scared, guilty, and a host of other emotions. Actually, you may experience several emotions at the same time. You may also experience the feeling of being on a roller coaster.

Being able to talk about your illness is key to your well-being.

At least share your emotions with the people closest to you.

• When considering who to talk with, think about the same factors you used when you decided who to tell about your diagnosis and how much to tell each person. (For a reminder of tips about telling people about your diagnosis, see the documents in "To Learn More.")
• Look for positive people to talk with. Avoid upsetting discussions with people who have a negative attitude. You don't have to talk in depth with a person just because he or she wants you to.
• Family and friends are members of your team. They want to help.
• If you are going through chemotherapy and do not have people to support you, consider signing up as a patient with Chemo Angels. The organization hooks people up with volunteers who have been through chemo or closely affected by it.  See: www.chemoangels.net

Also consider:

• Other means of expression such as writing or any form of art. Experience indicates that writing helps.
• Look for a cancer buddy.
• Join a support group/self help group
• Information about buddies and groups is contained in other sections of this document.

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