The Big Ordeal:
Understanding and Managing the Psychological Turmoil of Cancer
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When cancer happens, doctors rush to start treatment. But we’re often left to deal with the emotional effects of the diagnosis on our own.
That’s The Big Ordeal.
For most of us, cancer is an unexpected ordeal that takes over life. If we’re lucky, it consumes us for a short time before fading into the background. If we’re unlucky, it remains in focus, or worse, becomes the centerpiece of our remaining days. But none of us gets through it without some lasting impact.
The emotional toll may be subtle or dramatic. It may influence our personal or professional lives, be on display for all to see, or buried deep within our souls. But there’s no denying it. Everything is different when we hear we have cancer.
Nothing can truly prepare you for the roller coaster of emotions unleashed by diagnosis. But, The Big Ordeal will help you anticipate, understand and manage the turmoil ahead. It will help you understand why you feel the way you do, making coping with cancer a little easier. In Coping Insights you will find information on neuroscience, psychology and oncology to help demystify the experience. And, you will find suggestions from professionals and fellow patients who have been there.
The Big Ordeal is also about patients and survivors and caregivers, sharing stories to help reduce the sense of isolation, inspire hope, combat fear and encourage healing. You can read Patient Stories and Caregiver Stories to see what others have shared.  And you can share your own story. Read on. Share. There’s a good chance someone you know is coping with cancer.