{"id":2303,"date":"2018-08-13T01:59:14","date_gmt":"2018-08-13T01:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2303"},"modified":"2021-03-19T14:27:22","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T14:27:22","slug":"8-tips-for-coping-with-non-small-cell-lung-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/8-tips-for-coping-with-non-small-cell-lung-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Tips for Coping With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (also known as NSCLC is responsible for as much as an estimated 85% of lung cancers; this makes it the most commonly diagnosed form of lung cancer out there. If you suspect that you might be suffering from NSCLC and you have not been diagnosed yet, then you should make an appointment with your medical professional and mention a thorough list of your symptoms so that they are able to make a proper diagnosis and treat the symptoms.<\/p>\n

If you have been diagnosed with NSCLC, then you should know that the prognosis is good in most cases \u2013 as long as the cancer can be spotted early and treated accordingly, the chances of recovery are positive for most. But that doesn\u2019t mean it will be easy to deal with.<\/p>\n

Here are 8 useful and practical tips for coping with NSCLC that can be combined with the treatment regimen that has been recommended by your doctor.<\/p>\n

1. A Healthy Diet<\/h3>\n

A healthy diet should contain everything that you see in your classic food pyramid that most people have seen before: To have a balanced, healthy diet you\u2019re going to need more of the bottom levels of the food pyramid and less of the things that make up the top, such as fats: A lot of people take this to mean they need to cut these fats out of their diet completely, but this just means that you\u2019ll have to cut down on the bad fats and get more of the good fats \u2013 like that found in real butter and avocadoes.<\/p>\n

If you have been diagnosed with cancer <\/a>or consider yourself at risk of developing it, then you should make an immediate switch to a healthy and natural diet. Your doctor or nutritionist should be able to help you to put together a healthy diet \u2013 and you should consider adding supplements to this, too.<\/p>\n

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2. Taking Supplements<\/h3>\n

Most people aren\u2019t getting enough of what they need through their diet: Food just isn\u2019t the same anymore, and people drop the nutritional content of their food even further by their cooking methods \u2013 and often by opting for fast, quick meals that take little effort. This is why most people can benefit from taking supplements.<\/p>\n

If you have been diagnosed with cancer or consider yourself at risk of developing it because of any of the risk factors mentioned in this article, then you should take particular care of your health. A great multivitamin<\/a> can be enough to fix what\u2019s wrong with your health and give your immune system an all-round boost. There are even many specialized supplements, such as ones for boosting the brain.<\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t sure which supplements are safe to take with your treatment, you should make an appointment with your doctor or nutritionist and ask them what their recommendations are.<\/p>\n

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3. Improve Your Immunity<\/h3>\n

Your immune system<\/a> is your body\u2019s first line of defence against any infections or bacteria entering the body, and NSCLC is one of the things which can put your body at a much higher risk of a compromised immune system: This means that infections will likely hit you much harder than they would anyone with a comparative healthy immune system, and you will pick up infections and illnesses easier than anyone else.<\/p>\n

There are a few easy things you can do at home to boost your immune system: The first of these things is to follow a healthy diet with enough immune-boosting vitamins and minerals. Many also find benefit from adding supplements to their daily routine: A good multivitamin should be more than enough to give your immune system the boost that it needs.<\/p>\n

A lot can also be said for exercise and boosting the immune system: If you exercise regularly, you will feel better \u2013 and you\u2019ll be better.<\/p>\n

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4. Restore Your Sleep Cycle<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s recommended that you get at least eight hours of sleep per night, though most doctors agree that it might be a little more or a little less than that depending on every different individual; if you find that you are still tired even after a good night\u2019s rest, then you should make an appointment with your doctor \u2013 it could be interruptions in your sleep cycle that is behind this symptom. A few small lifestyle changes are usually more than enough to fix this.<\/p>\n

If you have NSCLC, then it\u2019s likely that your sleep cycle will be subsequently affected. Start by having a discussion with your doctor about what can be done to restore your sleep cycle back to normal, and remember there are a few things you can do at home to get your cycle back to where it should be:.<\/p>\n

Start by changing your meal time to earlier \u2013 you sleep better if you aren\u2019t digesting a big meal. You can also incorporate chamomile tea<\/a> into your routine: It can be a great help for relaxing before you fall asleep. For many, warm milk works better. For others, it\u2019s a warm bath. Find what works for you.<\/p>\n

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5. Stay Active<\/h3>\n

Mild to moderate exercise<\/a> can have great benefits for your health, and it\u2019s recommended that everyone get at least moderate exercise throughout their lives to ensure that they are as healthy as possible as they age. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or are at risk of developing it, then you should incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.<\/p>\n

Start with slow exercise: Never jump straight into it, especially if you have never exercised before or your immune system might be compromised. By doing this you will only be risking injury \u2013 so take things slowly, and ask your doctor or personal trainer if you aren\u2019t sure how hard you can be pushing your body during this time.
\nModerate exercise can include things like walking or jogging, and you can even take up yoga or swimming as a form of moderate exercise to keep your body in good, healthy shape.<\/p>\n

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6. Check Your Vitals<\/h3>\n

You should keep an eye on your health regularly even if you haven\u2019t been diagnosed with any type of cancer \u2013 but if you have, watching your health becomes so much more important. Ideally, you should make an appointment with your general health practitioner at least once every six months for a good check-over, even if you don\u2019t think that there\u2019s anything wrong with your health at the time.<\/p>\n

Most conditions can benefit from an early diagnosis, and the only way to get an early diagnosis is to visit your doctor regularly.<\/p>\n

Especially if you have been diagnosed, then you should keep an eye on things like your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol<\/a> \u2013 especially if you have any family history of any of these problems. Most of these conditions can be easily managed if spotted early and your doctor should be able to make recommendations for keeping your health in good condition \u2013 but do what you can yourself and start by following a healthy diet!<\/p>\n

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7. Your Mental Health<\/h3>\n

Cancer can often affect your mental health<\/a> \u2013 not necessarily in a direct way, though it\u2019s easy for people who have been diagnosed with cancer to feel confused, angry, depressed, sad or irritable after they have been diagnosed. It\u2019s common for people to feel scared, too, and there\u2019s nothing wrong with admitting it: Any medical diagnosis can be a scary thing.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re trying to get your body to recover from cancer, then a lot can be said for keeping your mental health in good condition: Do more of things that make you happy, and follow a healthy diet: It\u2019s true that you\u2019ll get out what you put in, so keep things natural and healthy.<\/p>\n

If you find that your depression is becoming harder to cope with, seek professional help: Sometimes all you need is an excellent therapist who can help you through a tough time, other times your doctor can prescribe something to help alleviate the depression.<\/p>\n

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8. Stop Smoking<\/h3>\n

Smoking<\/a> automatically puts you at a higher risk of developing certain cancers like lung, throat and skin cancer. Other things that can put you at a higher risk of developing cancer includes toxins you take in through your diet, an unhealthy lifestyle and stress. You are also at a higher risk of developing cancer if you have a strong family history of cancers in your family \u2013 mention it to your doctor at your next appointment if this is the case.<\/p>\n

You should stop smoking if you want to lower your cancer risk, and especially if you have already been diagnosed with lung cancer. There are plenty of proven, medical ways to quit if you find that you are having trouble. Long-term smokers should take care with quitting smoking \u201ccold turkey\u201d \u2013 it can give your immune system a sudden knock. Boost your immune system before you quit smoking and follow a healthy lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"9. Explaining Side Effects to Your Doctor<\/h3>\n

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, many people are in a state of overwhelm. This response is perfectly reasonable, and your doctor is prepared to deal with any emotional outburst you have. However, the shock of the situation will most likely leave you speechless as you try to comprehend what\u2019s happened. <\/span><\/p>\n

After your head clears, ask your doctor about the side-effects you should expect. Your doctor should provide you with a timeline of your disease<\/a>, and what symptoms will appear at which stage of the disease. After receiving guidance, your physician will outline your treatment schedule, including therapies and cancer medications you\u2019ll need to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your discussion with your physician should include any concerns you have about emotional, physical, and social situations with your friends and family. Ask your doctor about what plans you should make to manage your home care after treatments, and what kind of caregiving schedule you should create.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"10. Finding Support<\/h3>\n

Receiving a cancer diagnosis will change anyone\u2019s life. Being told that you have a terminal disease is challenging to handle, and knowing that there\u2019s a possibility of you dying can create plenty of emotional distress. Cancer<\/a> patients need support to make it through their battle with the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Speak to your friends and family about your physical and emotional state. Ask them for their support in this critical time of your life. Real friends will stick by your side and offer to help in any way possible. Your family will be your touchstone for support. As your condition progresses, you\u2019ll become weaker and frail, and you\u2019ll need help completing basic tasks. Some of your family members may not be able to provide you with round the clock care \u2013 they have jobs and lives of their own to attend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look into managed care facilities, such as a hospice, where you have access to professional nurses trained to handle your condition and your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"11. Coping with Financial Effects<\/h3>\n

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, you can lose your head in your emotions<\/a>, and planning for the future is the last thing on your mind. However, after you collect yourself, take time to think about the financial costs associated with your treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people that rely on government-funded Medicare programs will end up falling short of their allotted insurance allowance for their treatment. As a result of the shortfall, many of the costs will have to come out of your finances. <\/span><\/p>\n

Costs associated with therapy and managed care, as well as equipment like hospital beds, IV\u2019s and nurses will be for your account. Analyze your finances and ensure that you have enough to cover all of your expenses. If you find a shortfall, reach out to friends and family members, or institutions such as your local church, to fill the gaps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let your finances get away from you, and it\u2019s best to have an upfront discussion with those close to you before time starts running out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"12. Coping with Emotional and Social Responses<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Along with the physical effects of the disease on your body, there\u2019s also the emotional and social effects to think about. Everyone who receives a cancer diagnosis will end up going through spells of anxiety and depression<\/a> as they realize their time on earth is coming to an end. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to remember that you are not in this alone. Your friends and family can provide a wealth of support in your time of crisis, but you need to reach out \u2013 or they\u2019ll think everything is fine. If you find it challenging to deal with the emotional rollercoaster ride of a cancer diagnosis, ask your doctor about prescribing you anti-anxiety medication to treat your emotional response.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people with cancer find it hard to repeat their diagnosis, especially when they have to tell all of their friends, colleagues, and family. Consult with your family and ask a family member to inform everyone about your condition. This strategy reduces the strain of focusing on your diagnosis for hours at length while you break the news to your social circle.
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\"\"13. Coping with Physical Effects<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The physical effects of NSCLC can dramatically reduce your energy levels and enthusiasm with life. As the disease progresses, it starts to present aggressive physical symptoms that change your health status. Radiation and chemotherapy treatment may also leave you feeling drained. <\/span><\/p>\n

Please make sure you speak to your physician<\/a> about the timeline for your symptoms. They should offer you guidance on what to expect at each stage of the disease, and its physical effects on your body and energy levels. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cancer may have different effects on the body, depending on your state of health at diagnosis. People who are out of shape and in a poor state of health will progress through the symptoms at a much faster rate than those people who are in decent physical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask your doctor what to expect, and make sure you get a list of medications you need to keep your physical health in the best shape possible, for as long as possible. Changes in diet and exercise will help you live longer, and slow the progression of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Coping with Fear and Anxiety<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Handling a cancer diagnosis is a challenge for anyone \u2013 and dealing with the effects of cancer takes its toll on your mental health as well. High-anxiety affects more than 40-million Americans, and if you already have a mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety, a cancer diagnosis may exacerbate your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even people with a good state of mental health may end up slipping into depression, or experience feelings of anxiety when they reach the advanced stages of the disease. Coping with the psychological effects of cancer is just as important as dealing with the physical symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please speak to your doctor about your current state of mental health, and how they expect you to respond as the cancer advances. Your doctor may prescribe your anti-depressants<\/a> and anti-anxiety medication to help you through your low periods. Your physician\u2019s role in your cancer diagnosis is to make your situation as comfortable as possible.<\/span>
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