My Survivorship A to Z Guide

Like a support group, pairing provides an opportunity to share your emotions with another person going through a similar experience and to learn practical suggestions.

It's up to you whether it is better to find a person who is close to your age and life experiences, or an opposite, or anywhere in between. You can try a few individuals until you find the one that is best for you (and him or her).

Your health care team may be able to help pair you with another person. Also consider contacting an organization such as Imerman Angels .

The key is to remember what worked for you in the past.

If there's a question, think back over the difficult periods in your life. Look for the common elements that helped you through.

Perhaps some coping mechanisms worked better than others. Focus on the ones that worked best for you.

If what worked for you in the past doesn't help, talk with other people going through a similar experience to learn what's helped them. Perhaps their tips will work for you as well. If not, seek professional help.

A positive attitude can make you feel better. 

A positive attitude does not mean being a pollyanna and being positive all the time. We're all human. We all have down times and negative thoughts. However, if we observe our thoughts, we can change them. The more we practice, the easier it becomes.

Looking at the glass as half full, or looking for the silver lining, doesn't change the reality of your life -- but it does make it easier.

• Let go of the things that don't matter any more.
• Focus your strength on what you need to do to win your battle.
• If your diagnosis brought a new view of life, focus on it -- or the new path that may be opening.

To help keep a positive attitude, spend time with people who are supportive and non-judgmental.

Look for humor in your daily life. It's there. There are even seminars that teach humor.

If it's easier to get humor from the media, check out reruns of comedies on television. Some mobile phone services have services that deliver a joke-of-the-day.

Alternatively, you can learn a joke every few days and keep telling it.

 In a spiritual world, you are not alone.

There are countless paths to spirituality. The right path is the one that works for you - whether it's through religion, new age thinking or your individual belief.  

Things tend to take on a different perspective after a diagnosis. Listen to your inner voice.  

Don't be surprised if your spiritual beliefs change or deepen. Diagnosed eyes see differently.

Being in a hospital can be surreal and scary.

Hospitals are mainly designed for the productivity of the doctors and staff, often leaving the patient feeling out of control. However, as you will see in our information about hospitals, you have the ultimate control - including which doctors and nurses will attend you and what, if any, tests and treatments you will undergo.

Keeping in mind how much control you really do have in a hospital setting can help reduce negative emotions.

Also keep in mind that hospitals and other treatment centers generally have social workers, patient navigators and mental health professionals available.

There is help available if your emotions interfere with your life - including free resources.

With respect to suicide, keep in mind that suicide is a permanent solution for what could be a temporary situation. If you're having suicidal thoughts, it may be possible to end your suffering without ending your life. It's worth taking the time to find out.

There are suicide hot lines. There are also mental health professionals available.

Without encouraging you, and following our mission to provide you with all the facts, there is at least one "How To" book in publication.