Resources
It can be hard to find information about rectal cancer specifically, and that’s because it is often linked with colon cancer. Turns out they are two different cancers with different statistics and treatment plans. Here are some helpful resources I came across:
Mental Health
You could do this on your own, but it will be a lot harder. Connect with your cancer team or health insurance and ask about these options to support your mental health during this tough time.
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Therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool when going through such a life-changing event. Check with your cancer center to see if they have a cancer therapist available or if they have any recommendations.
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Music therapy is a health profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. This can include guided imagery as well.
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Cancer groups an be extremely beneficial, check your local area for possible groups to join! For the greater Minneapolis area Gilda's Club is one to check out.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
Emily Dickinson
Physical Health
Seek out help with how to safely stay active during your cancer journey.
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Check with your provider if there is a cancer rehabilitation program you can utilize. They can help with providing simple and effective exercises to help increase your strength during and after treatment.
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Acupuncture is a great resource and can be covered by insurance sometimes! Check out this article: The benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients and survivors
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Check to see if your cancer center provides massage and/or healing touch. Check out this article about the benefits: Therapeutic massage and healing touch improve symptoms in cancer patients
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It's very important to keep up your strength during your cancer journey. Check out this article to learn the why: Physical activity and the person with cancer
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Looking for recipes that fit your current diet restrictions? Check out CookForYourLife.org.
Social Media
Social media helped me so much to normalize my cancer diagnosis, my ostomy, and just this new way of navigating through the world after this big change.