Stages of the Cancer Journey
After one is diagnosed with cancer, there are many stages with specific characteristics, needs, and interventions. Each person's journey is different.
Cancer Diagnosis
Every person deals with their diagnosis differently. There are physical factors such as age, gender, and type/stage of disease that influence the diagnosis. Some reactions in this stage include:
Cancer Diagnosis
Every person deals with their diagnosis differently. There are physical factors such as age, gender, and type/stage of disease that influence the diagnosis. Some reactions in this stage include:
✦anxiety
✦confusion ✦guilt ✦panic |
✦disorientation
✦despair ✦grief ✦numbness |
✦self-doubts
✦mortality thoughts ✦overwhelmed |
Cancer Treatments
Preparation for and the experience of having cancer treatments involve many stages within itself. Patients will question their treatment plans and their feelings about the side effects. Reactions in this first stage include:
✦empowerment
✦trauma
✦deep contemplation
✦spiritual engagement
✦utilizing mediation/mind-body skills
Reactions in preparation for treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.):
✦hair loss
✦side effects
✦communication with loved ones about illness, fears, feelings prompted by cancer
Temporary Stability Stage:
✦Obtaining education through research and reading
✦Creating a healing plan
Feelings associated with and during Treatment, (FINE model):
F: frustrated, fatigued, frozen
I: ill, isolated, indirect
N: nervous, nice, neglected, neurotic
E: edgy, envious, elevated
Assessment of Attitude and Coping Stage:
✦healing images
✦treatment highs
✦Mentality: "If I get rid of this...I will be okay."
✦"Fighting Spirit"
✦attitude of embracing, growing, and learning
End of Cancer Treatment Stage:
This stage causes a wide range of feelings, reactions, attitude, and coping styles. This period is a major transition in the cancer journey. Reactions include:
✦anxiety
✦relief
✦fear
✦grief
✦uncertainty
✦post-treatment depression in result to the physical and psychological effects
✦post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
✦post-traumatic growth (PTG)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a term for an anxiety disorder that results from severe trauma. There are many studies that show cancer survivors and their loved ones being affected by this. Symptoms include: fear, helplessness, horror, re-experiencing the illness, avoiding reminders associated with the illness, and increased stress.
Post-traumatic Growth
PTG is a term for the positive life changes that may result from trauma. For some cancer survivors and their caregivers, the experience of cancer inspires them to question their beliefs, attitudes, and life goals. Cancer serves as a strong catalyst, change event, and awakener.
Recurrence Reactions:
✦reflecting back on prior experiences, treatments, and decisions
✦"I cannot do this again."
✦feelings of failure
"Losing the Battle" Stages of Thoughts, Feelings, Emotions:
1. Denial and Isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
Information from EmbodiWorks: Integrative Cancer Care Resources:
http://www.embodiworks.org/cancertreatments/bodymindspirit/feelingsthoughtsbeliefs/
Preparation for and the experience of having cancer treatments involve many stages within itself. Patients will question their treatment plans and their feelings about the side effects. Reactions in this first stage include:
✦empowerment
✦trauma
✦deep contemplation
✦spiritual engagement
✦utilizing mediation/mind-body skills
Reactions in preparation for treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.):
✦hair loss
✦side effects
✦communication with loved ones about illness, fears, feelings prompted by cancer
Temporary Stability Stage:
✦Obtaining education through research and reading
✦Creating a healing plan
Feelings associated with and during Treatment, (FINE model):
F: frustrated, fatigued, frozen
I: ill, isolated, indirect
N: nervous, nice, neglected, neurotic
E: edgy, envious, elevated
Assessment of Attitude and Coping Stage:
✦healing images
✦treatment highs
✦Mentality: "If I get rid of this...I will be okay."
✦"Fighting Spirit"
✦attitude of embracing, growing, and learning
End of Cancer Treatment Stage:
This stage causes a wide range of feelings, reactions, attitude, and coping styles. This period is a major transition in the cancer journey. Reactions include:
✦anxiety
✦relief
✦fear
✦grief
✦uncertainty
✦post-treatment depression in result to the physical and psychological effects
✦post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
✦post-traumatic growth (PTG)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a term for an anxiety disorder that results from severe trauma. There are many studies that show cancer survivors and their loved ones being affected by this. Symptoms include: fear, helplessness, horror, re-experiencing the illness, avoiding reminders associated with the illness, and increased stress.
Post-traumatic Growth
PTG is a term for the positive life changes that may result from trauma. For some cancer survivors and their caregivers, the experience of cancer inspires them to question their beliefs, attitudes, and life goals. Cancer serves as a strong catalyst, change event, and awakener.
Recurrence Reactions:
✦reflecting back on prior experiences, treatments, and decisions
✦"I cannot do this again."
✦feelings of failure
"Losing the Battle" Stages of Thoughts, Feelings, Emotions:
1. Denial and Isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
Information from EmbodiWorks: Integrative Cancer Care Resources:
http://www.embodiworks.org/cancertreatments/bodymindspirit/feelingsthoughtsbeliefs/