Coping With Cancer-A Family View

An often forgotten feature of dealing with cancer is what I call 'after the event'. That is, when your loved one has passed on. The coming months are a particular difficult time for such people.

There is a real danger that during this time the grieving person resorts to addictive substances to get through the trauma. This is understandable but not always the best course of action. You can find myself drinking far too much alcohol (a lot more than the recommended amount per week) for the months following the death.

My experience is that you will then gradually come down to a reasonable level. I'm not advocating drinking as a way of coping. But I'm realistic in that some people will go down this root, so be aware of such behaviour. [I found myself going this way after my father's death in February 2005.]

Being angry and crying, even at the same time, are very common emotions following the event. Don't feel embarrassed by this. It is perfectly normal. Just try to avoid hurting yourself and others! I found that walking in the countryside was helpful, especially up and down hills. The physical effort will make you feel better and get rid of some of that pent up emotion.

Family & friends should keep a close eye on each other if possible. Following such a trauma it is often the case that people will shut themselves away and shun any social contact. Pick up the telephone and call each other. Keeping in touch with someone who has lost a husband, wife or partner is very, very important.

They have been used to being with a particular person, often for decades, so try to imagine the shock when that person is taken away from them; especially if it is sudden. Try to arrange some event (the theatre, a film etc) so that they will still feel part of the 'family' and it will get them socialising again.

It is natural to be more attentive immediately after the event but don't let it slip into long periods between contact in the future.

They say 'Time Heals'. I say that 'Time makes it hurt less'.

At the end of the day death is part of life. We just need to learn to cope with it.

This article may be reproduced in its entirety provided the resource paragraph below is included with the url kept active.

(c) Paul Curran, CEO of Cuzcom Internet Publishing Group and webmaster at Information on Mesothelioma, providing information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma news.

---

Better Links Directory

Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the linings of the heart,... Read More

What You Need To Know About Lung Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't... Read More

Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma: What is it?Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of... Read More

Mesothelioma Help

According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a malignant... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware... Read More

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the pleura (the... Read More

Lung Cancer Discoveries

There is a new way to treat lung cancer with... Read More

How to Treat Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

There are many forms of treatment for Mesothelioma. Their effectiveness... Read More

Mesothelioma

Tragically the word mesothelioma is becoming more and more well... Read More

Mesothelioma Book - Review

"Lean on Me" Cancer through a carer's eyes Lorraine Kember... Read More

Coping With Cancer-A Family View

An often forgotten feature of dealing with cancer is what... Read More

Asbestos - Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the... Read More

Knee Deep in Asbestos

When I was 17 old I started working at an... Read More

Asbestos Litigation ? Some Basic Facts About The Process

When Should I Consult an Asbestos Attorney?If asbestos diseases have... Read More

Lung Cancer-Non-Smokers at Risk!

Most of us non-smokers feel we've got little to worry... Read More

Lung Cancer: The Bad and the Worse

In terms of deaths caused by various forms of cancer,... Read More

How Is Mesothelioma Treated?

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where... Read More

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. The tissue lining the... Read More

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was... Read More

Your Mesothelioma Case

Your Mesothelioma case is important to you. You have been... Read More

Wittenoom Graveyard

Despite the known fact that Wittenoom is responsible for many... Read More

Asbestos - The Silent Killer

Asbestos is the single biggest work place killer today. People... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin... Read More

Asbestos Killed My Husband

He was only a child when it begun -and he... Read More

Does It Pay to Get a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Mesothelioma is a serious form of rare cancer. There is... Read More