Colorectal Cancer: Post Treatment 0-6 Months: Emotional Well Being: Stages II,III,IV

The best way to get through this period is to express your feelings. There are a variety of ways to do that.

Family and Friends

Talk with family, friends, with sympathetic co-workers. (Keep in mind that, unlike employers, co-workers are not legally required to keep your personal information confidential. For more information, see our document about disclosing your condition to co-workers and your legal rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act.)

Colorectal Cancer Buddy

Consider talking with another person who is going through the same thing you are or who has been there. We call such a person a Cancer Buddy.

You can find a cancer buddy through your cancer doctor, cancer support center or such disease specific nonprofit organizations as Colon Cancer Alliance, Tel.: 877.422.2030

Support Groups and Self Help Groups

Consider talking with other people in a similar situation in a support group or a self help group. In addition to the support, you are likely to learn practical information.

The group can meet in person, on the telephone or even on line. Support groups have been proven to be good for emotional health, and possibly even physical health.

You can find colorectal cancer support groups through the following non-profit groups which are listed in alphabetical order:

•  American Cancer Society
• Cancer Care
• Cancer Support Community  (formerly The Wellness Community and Gilda's Club Worldwide)
• Colon Cancer Alliance www.ccalliance.org , Tel.: 877. 422.4030

For self help groups see: Self Help Groups.

If you are a young man or woman, other sources include:

• I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, see: www.I2Y.org
• Planet Cancer, see: www.PlanetCancer.org
• Ulman Cancer Fund For Young Adults, www.Ulman.org

Writing And Creative Activities

Many people find comfort in being creative or by writing their thoughts or creating art.

Writing doesn't have to be in a bound journal. It can be on pieces of paper you keep in a file, or on your computer.

You don't have to share your writing or other means of expression with anyone to get a benefit.

Religion And Spirituality

Colorectal cancer brings an awareness of mortality for most people. Suddenly life seems as short as it is - no matter how long it is.

If you haven't done so already, turning to religion or spirituality can help. Most clergy people will speak with you even if you do not belong to their congregation or religion.

This may be a time to renew your connection with a religion or spiritual practice. If you are not sure how to proceed, shop around. Talk with friends. Read. Speak with clergy in different houses of worship. Speak with clergy in different religions if you are open to a change.

NOTE: Especially during the first year after treatment, it is not unusual for anxiety and fear of recurrence to surface before doctor appointments and while waiting for test results. This type of anxiety may continue for a very long time. There are techniques available to help you through these periods.

For more information about this subject and the other subjects in this section, see "To Learn More."

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