When I was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I was shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do next. I had so many questions about what would happen next and how I could cope with this news.
The first step I took to cope with my diagnosis was to get the facts. I read up on mesothelioma, spoke to my doctor, and sought out support groups. This helped me to understand my diagnosis and the potential treatments and outcomes. I felt more in control knowing the facts about my diagnosis and what my options were.
I also reached out to my family and friends for support. Knowing that I had people who cared about me and who were there to listen made a huge difference. They allowed me to express my feelings and gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going.
I also took time to care for myself. I made sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and exercise. Taking good care of my body gave me the energy I needed to make it through the day and to stay positive.
Finally, I embraced hope. I made a plan for my life and set positive goals. I also took the time to appreciate my life and to focus on the good things around me. While the diagnosis was difficult to accept, I chose to focus on the positives and to keep fighting.
These strategies helped me to cope with my mesothelioma diagnosis. Even though it was a difficult time, I was able to find strength in the support of my family and friends, the facts I learned, and by caring for myself and having hope for the future.