Sources of Support
Learning you have cervical cancer can change your
life and the lives of those close to you. These changes
can be hard to handle. It's normal for you, your family,
and your friends to have many different and sometimes
confusing feelings.
Concerns about treatments and managing side
effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common.
You may also worry about caring for your family,
keeping your job, or continuing daily activities.
Here's where you can go for support:
- Doctors, nurses, and other members of your health
care team can answer questions about treatment,
working, or other activities.
- Social workers, counselors, or members of the
clergy can be helpful if you want to talk about your
feelings or concerns. Often, social workers can
suggest resources for financial aid, transportation,
home care, or emotional support.
- Support groups also can help. In these groups,
patients or their family members meet with other
patients or their families to share what they have
learned about coping with the disease and the effects
of treatment. Groups may offer support in person,
over the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want
to talk with a member of your health care team
about finding a support group.
- Information specialists at 1-800-4-CANCER and
at
LiveHelp (http://www.cancer.gov/help) can help
you locate programs, services, and publications.
They can send you a list of organizations that offer
services to people with cancer.
- Your doctor or a sex counselor may be helpful if
you and your partner are concerned about the effects
of cervical cancer on your sexual relationship. You
and your partner may find it helps to discuss your
concerns.
For tips on coping, you may want to read the NCI
booklet Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer.
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