Managing Cancer Day to Day

Nearly 12 million Americans living today have gotten a diagnosis of cancer. (For one patient's perspective on being diagnosed with colon cancer, see My Cancer Diagnosis.) Those recently diagnosed or going through treatment deal not only with physical symptoms, but practical and emotional issues as well. People may worry about how they will do their jobs or if they will be able to travel while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. They may have questions about new FDA rules for certain prescriptions. They may experience fatigue that prevents them from completing daily activities. And they may wonder what role non-medical approaches, such as exercise and nutrition, play in their recovery. Family and friends want to help but may not know what to do or say. The articles in this section are designed to help patients with cancer and their families navigate these challenges, including finding a case manager or asking their doctors questions about cancer, and move forward day to day. (See Family Perspectives for one husband's reflections on his wife's first day of chemotherapy.) Physical, practical and emotional help is available.