How to Deal With Stage 3 Colon Cancer

Cancer is an insidious disease. It can rob you of your strength, self-esteem and sanity. But when you're in stage 3 of colon cancer, there are some specific coping behaviors you can learn to improve your quality of life. Stage 3 colon cancer has a survival rate of from 44 to 83 percent. When fighting cancer, dealing with the medications, therapies and their side effects is half the battle.

Things You'll Need

• Counselor, if desired
• Prescription for an antidepressant, if applicable
• Support group

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Instructions

Dealing With Stage 3 Colon Cancer

• 1

  Stay positive. It's normal for you to be depressed following a diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer. Depression has been directly linked to exacerbating illness and disease; it also affects your quality of life and can even shorten your life. A study done at the German Cancer Research Center found that young colon-cancer patients are especially prone to depression derived from respiratory and bowel problems, and financial distress. Psychological problems can be addressed by continuing to do things you enjoyed prior to your diagnosis. See movies, ride your bike, go to sports events. If your depression is persistent, see a therapist or counselor. Your physician can prescribe medication that reduces feelings of depression.

• 2

  Keep up with new treatments. New therapies and treatments are being introduced all the time. Joining a cancer-survivor support group can keep you connected to people who are in your situation. Talk about your treatment plan with others and find out about theirs. Knowing how other people are fighting their disease keeps you current with cures and current cancer news.

• 3

  Exercise. Keeping up your strength is crucial, especially after a colonoscopy. You will be in the hospital for about seven days, your pain will last about a week, and depending on your circumstances, you may need to use a colostomy bag. Your body still needs all the energy it can get to cope with and recover from the surgery. Moderate aerobic exercise will boosts your immune system --- and mood. Briskly walk for a half hour a day. You can also join an exercise group for cancer-treatment patients.

• 4

  Eat well. You may not have much of an appetite after colon surgery, chemotherapy, and with any number of medications being processed in your gut, but it's more important than ever to watch your diet. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston found that eating a diet high in fatty food, refined grains and desserts, aka a typical Western diet, may increase your risk for relapse and mortality. Eating healthy also increases energy and improves mood and cognitive thinking.