Fear of Recurrence How to Conquer It

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Fear of Recurrence How to Conquer It

• Brenda Casey MSW
• Social Worker
• Arizona Cancer Center
• [phone]

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Todays discussion will focus on

• what we mean by fear of recurrence
• its influences
• its consequences
• what we can do about it

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What does the fear of recurrence mean?

• Afraid the cancer will come back
• Doubt (self others)
• Fear is the most common emotion
• It is a universal occurrence
• Fear can be experienced very differently

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What influences this fear?

• Prognosis
• Personality
• Temperament
• Life Experiences
• Belief system
• Coping style

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What are the consequences?

• Psychological paralysis
• Lead to poor decisions
• Cause one to function rigidly
• Lead to suffering physical emotional illness
• Losses for the person as well as family and
  friends

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Strategies in Managing Fear

• Know the signs anticipate them
• Consider your belief system
• Develop a diverse support system
• Practice coping skills and learn new ones
• Be open-minded and flexible
• Explore and experiment with your new normal
• Communication
• Stress management

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Know your Triggers

• Anniversary dates
• Doctor appointments
• Anything reminiscent of the cancer experience
• Every little ache and pain
• Crisis with family and friends

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Dealing with Emotions

• Identify and be honest about feelings
• Feelings are not wrong or right
• Know your own approach and be willing to learn
  new ways

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Asking for Help

• Think about what you need
• Be specific
• Sometimes there is a reversal of roles
• Be willing to say whats not helpful

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Re-Evaluation

• Questions and new insights
• Perspectives can change
• The Future?
• My Goals?
• Understanding what happened

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Boundaries

• Know your limits
• Set your limits
• May invite criticism
• No, means No!

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Communication

• Identify those with whom you can talk openly
• Talking to your medical team, family and friends
• Notice where it feels difficult, theres usually
  a good reason

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Confidence in Your Medical Team

• Know your team members
• Learn how to utilize them
• Bring a buddy
• Tape your appointment

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Get the Facts

• Show up
• Understand your diagnosis and prognosis.
• Dont be afraid to ask questions.
• Include your emotions and trust the science

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The Element of Distraction

• Activities volunteering, hobbies, gardening,
  movies, photography
• Keeping busy
• Diversions

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Reducing Stress

• Humor
• Meditation
• Gratitude
• Staying Positive
• Prayer

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Taking Care of Your Body

• Diet
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Have a plan
• Complimentary medicine

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Taking Care of your Mind

• Temptation is to worry
• When to control and when to let go
• Empowerment
• Take Charge
• Know your strengths weaknesses (knowing your
  weaknesses is a strength)

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Getting back to New Normal

• Transformation
• Adjustment
• Perspective
• Future
• Surveillance

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Resources

• Family Friends
• Support Groups
• Conferences, Seminars, Workshops
• Internet
• Continuing Education
• Individual Counseling/Professional Help

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Serenity Prayer

• God grant me the courage the change the things I
  can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot
  change and the wisdom to know the difference.
  Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

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Summary

• Fear is natural and a universal reaction
• Get the facts
• Know yourself
• Keeping an open mind and experimenting are
  essential in effective coping
• Fear may not go away but will fade over time
• It is conquerable