Self-image is how a person views himself or herself. Because of the many physical and emotional changes after a cancer diagnosis, people may experience positive and negative changes to their self-image.
Physical changes
Both cancer and its treatment may change how you look. How you feel about your appearance is called body image. Many people with cancer feel self-conscious about changes to their bodies. Some of the more common physical changes of cancer include:
- Hair loss
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Surgery scars
- Rash, typically from drug therapies
- Loss of an organ, limb, or breast
- The need for an ostomy, which is a surgical opening that allows bodily waste to exit the body into a bag
- Fatigue or loss of energy, which can cause you to give up activities you once enjoyed
Many of these changes will resolve or get better as time passes after treatment. But make sure to share any concerns you have with your health care team. Ask them for more information about ways to relieve these symptoms or the emotional discomfort you may feel because of them.
Emotional changes
Cancer disrupts so many parts of a person’s life, from relationships to work and hobbies. Depending on the seriousness of the illness and the chance of recovery, it may also force you to make changes to your future and deal with the chance of dying. During this time, you may feel many different emotions:
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Loneliness or a sense of being different from others
- Fear
- Anger
- Frustration
- Guilt
- Feeling out of control
- A change in the way you think about yourself and the future
But many people with cancer have also reported positive changes. These positive changes can be emotional, spiritual, or intellectual. For example, you may feel:
- An appreciation for the strength of your body
- Peace
- Gratitude
- Awareness and appreciation that life is short and special
- Grateful for new important relationships with caregivers and other patients
- A shift in priorities
- Clarity about meaning in life and personal goals
Coping with self-image changes
You may view yourself and your body differently after cancer. These tips may help you cope:
- Allow time to adjust. Accepting a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment may change your life. It takes time to adapt, so treat yourself with compassion and kindness.
- Talk with others who have been in similar situations. Many times, having 1-on-1 conversations or attending support groups with people who have been in the same situation can provide understanding and hope.
- Build a network of friends and family who can support you and help you feel positive.
- Ask for and accept help. Pass off tasks that take up your energy and are not pleasing to you. Ask friends to babysit, hire a housekeeper, or buy prepared meals to free up time to focus on healing.
- Stay calm and, if you are able, embrace humor. Laughter has many positive effects on the mind and body. And it may help you relax during an uncomfortable time.
- Let your health care team know your worries and concerns. For instance, if you are worried about losing your hair during treatment, you may consider cutting it noticeably short or even shaving it. Taking control over the process may help you feel less scared.
- Ask your health care team about possible reconstructive surgery, prosthetic devices, and/or cosmetic solutions.
- As much as possible, remain active. Physical activity can help people feel more energetic, and it may help you feel better during treatment. Social activities can also help you focus on something other than cancer.
- Seek counselling. A professional can help you cope with and understand confusing feelings and deal with physical changes.
Source Credit: https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/managing-emotions/self-image-and-cancer
Currently doing treatment at DONALD GORDON..BONECANCER after BREAST CANCER