Care Introduction
If you’ve been diagnosed with GTD, you face many lifestyle changes and challenges. You and your loved ones can also expect to feel a range of emotions. Those feelings may include anger, confusion, frustration, fear, and anxiety. This is especially true if you were expecting a normal pregnancy before the diagnosis of GTD.
It’s hard to deal with these feelings. But it is often easier once you learn more about your disease. It’s also easier when you get support from other people. It helps to talk to friends and relatives. It also helps if you can get in touch with others who have had cancer.
Support groups offer people with cancer a place to share what they have learned about cancer and its treatments. You will likely be younger than most women in these groups. And because GTD is rare, you may find few to no one in the group with the same disease. But keep in mind that most participants have the same fears and concerns about cancer regardless of the type they have. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy is another good source of help.
You may worry about being able to keep your job, care for your family, or keep up with daily activities. You may worry about tests, treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills. These worries are common. But you may also have additional worries you need help to address. For example, with GTD, you may worry about your ability to have babies in the future. You may also have feelings that make it hard to deal with pregnancy loss. Doctors, nurses, and other members of your health-care team can answer questions about these concerns.
A nurse or social worker at the hospital or clinic can suggest local and national groups. These groups can offer emotional support, information, financial aid, transportation, home care, and other services. The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service also has information on resources. The American Cancer Society is a nonprofit organization. It offers help for patients and their families. There are also numerous cancer advocacy groups that you and your loved ones may join.
The WCN site offers a section for survivors. There you can find valuable information for survivors through feature articles, cancer topics, FAQs, and links to other reliable cancer resources. You will also find the Wall of Hope. This is a place on the site where you and other women who have survived cancer can share your stories and provide hope and inspiration for others with cancer. To submit your own story to the Wall of Hope, click here.
Good nutrition is also important. If you eat well, you’ll feel better and have more energy. Eating well means getting enough calories and protein. Some people find it hard to eat well during and after treatment. Many even lose their appetites. It’s possible you may not feel like eating because you feel uncomfortable or tired. Some women gain weight when on chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. But remember you need to eat well maintain your weight, regain your strength, and help normal tissues grow.
It’s possible you’ll feel tired for a while after you’re done with treatment. This can interfere with your daily life. Make sure your doctor checks your red blood count, especially if you feel fatigued. Anemia could be what’s causing your lack of energy. Some people with anemia need a blood transfusion. Others use prescribed medications to increase the red blood cell count. Some people don’t feel like eating or exercising when they are tired. An unhealthy diet and little exercise, though, can make the situation worse. You’re the only one who’ll know how you feel. But keep in mind that being active improves health in all ways. Make sure you plan fun activities and exercise regularly.
