YES! Beat Liver Tumors
877-937-7478
Surviving the Physical Changes
Who Is This Person In The Mirror?
You will face a number of physical changes that bring about countless emotions while undergoing treatment for liver tumors. You will discover a whole "new you" and in doing so it is important that you maintain your identity and a sense of control.
Start off by surrounding yourself with supportive, encouraging friends.
Join a support group or list-serv (yes@discusssthis.com) so that you can talk to others who have been in your shoes. You'll often discover that someone who has been in the same situation can provide options and hope.
Prepare for possible side effects to help you cope.
Accept help and allow friends and family to help around the house, babysit, prepare meals, or run errands.
Be active. Even small physical accomplishments can provide energy and focus.
Set a physical goal each day, no matter how small.
Learn as much as you can about your illness and become your own advocate. You are your own best advocate!! You can begin by discussing liver tumors with your doctor or by doing research at the library or on the Internet. Some available resources are located on our links page. Cancer treatment options change daily, therefore, it is important that you have the most up-to-date information possible on treatment choices that may be available to you. By taking control of the situation; by forming a multidisciplinary treatment team, you can be assured that you will be the one making decisions about your care rather than having someone else make those decisions for you. Following are some ways to be proactive in your medical care and to maintain control of your life.
Have your doctor explain about liver tumors. Make a list of questions. Take a support person to appointments and if this isn't possible, carry a small tape recorder with you so that you can remember and relay what has been discussed. If your primary physician is not a specialist, ask about a referral to a doctor who is. Find out the specific type and stage of your illness. This information is important relative to what treatment options you might have and what physical changes you may encounter. This is also a good time to discuss any symptoms or side effects that you might experience. You should never feel a question, concern or symptom is not worth bringing to the attention of your doctor. Ask for an email address. This is a method of communication that, if kept brief and to the point, can prove to as valuable as it is effective.
Treatment for cancer presents a new set of challenges and can be overwhelming. They may change a person's appearance and physical well-being. The cancer itself can cause physical changes, too. Some of the physical changes of cancer include:
Colostomy
Constipation
Diarrhea
Disfigurement or scars from surgery
Edema
Fatigue or energy loss
Hair loss
Jaundice
Loss of muscle tone
Nausea/Vomiting
Rash
Skin color and pigment changes
Taste changes
As you deal with some or even all of these issues never lose sight of the reason you are undergoing treatment - look at your friends, family, and loved ones - but most importantly never forget to look in the mirror!
© YES http://www.beatlivertumors.org
Survivor Hotline: 1-877-937-7478 (US only);
info@beatlivertumors.org
The information presented in this Website is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Please talk with your healthcare provider about any information you get from this Website.
