Many will think of the person having chemotherapy, wasting away to a shell of their former selves, in pain,and then passing away in a hospital.
While that might be true in some, few, cases the vast majority of those with Cancer are not affected that way. Some time not for a long time and others possibly never: passing from normal causes like heart attack or other age related causes. Die with Cancer not of Cancer.
It needs to be recognized that Cancer can be cured. Not in every case but very often. Additionally Cancer can be held at bay by treatments or medications; for years or even decades.
However, that’s not what the title is asking!
The Question is What does Cancer do to the person mentally and emotionally?
Before going further I am not in this writing going to cover what the Caregiver/Support Person is going through. Not a frame of mind I have experienced. Cancer? Yes! Twice in fact.
First I need to point out the common: why me? Am I going to die? Can I be cured? These are all covered in others of my writings.
Mentally Cancer shortens your perspective on things. Planning comes in shorter time frames. This continues but lengthens as time goes on. But often you change in subtle ways that too many might appear selfish or focusing on yourself. Yes the anxiety is there, especially after blood tests,scans, or before doctor exams. Yes too if you have a new pain or recurring one of the same type that started your Cancer diagnosis. New medicine starts the process all over again.
Emotionally you might become more sensitive or even become antsy. Things that didn’t bother you before diagnosis begin to bother you. What bothered you a little might now bother you more or possibly not at all. Some become moody, others lean towards not showing emotions at all. One person I met admitted to not tolerating bad drivers and began yelling at them.
What those around you might say they see is you being more me centered or even selfish. This could be a manifestation of focusing on yourself. Your personality is replaced by a Me oriented one.
All medications and treatments have side effects therefore I will only say that some might cause changes in your moods and emotions. Ask your Pharmacist for the listing of side effects and the percentage of occurrences. Knowing the % of patients that reported the effect will help you understand the possibility better.
Please let me know of your experience with Cancer. We are all unique and respond differently.
Pink isn't the only Cancer 