People who have been diagnosed with lung cancer have learned rapidly that life as they knew it changed when they heard the words, “You’ve got cancer.” Many cancer patients have shared that they have become very conscious of their body and the messages it sends to them. Some people think that maybe they worry too much about “every ache and pain.” How can you tell when something is wrong? Do you often wonder that an ache or other symptom might be a sign that the cancer is progressing? It is important that you learn to read your physical signs, keep track of symptoms and side effects, and communicate with your health care team.

NO question is ever too dumb to ask! More often than not, the symptoms you are experiencing are temporary and related to the treatment you are receiving as well as the changes that are occurring naturally in your body as it works to control or destroy the cancer. If you experience a side effect from therapy, it does not necessarily mean that something is wrong or that the drugs you are taking are not destroying the cancer cells. Nor does it mean that the cancer has necessarily progressed. It does mean, however, that you must be vigilant and maintain open communication with your health care team so that you can be proactive in helping keep your treatment on track and feel as good as possible.

So often we let our minds tell us that something is worse than it really is. It is normal for you to fear that the cancer is growing or not going away. You may be feeling “betrayed” by your body becoming ill and have difficulty feeling that you can ever trust it again. The good news is that there are simple ways you can exert some control over your reactions to these stressful thoughts.

The easiest way to understand and take control over what you are experiencing is to be well informed. This program, Frankly Speaking About Lung Cancer, is an excellent way to learn about your illness and its treatment as well as how to identify your symptoms and communicate effectively about their frequency and intensity to your physician. By knowing what side effects could potentially happen, you can better alert your doctor or nurse if any side effects occur so that you can know whether these concerns are related to the treatment or the cancer itself.

Remember, this is where the Patient Active part becomes so important! Be proactive in finding out what you need to understand to prevent side effects. Be clear with your health care team about how any particular symptom you are having may be affecting your day-to-day life. And don’t forget, just because you have cancer, you don’t have to suffer. Thanks to phenomenal advances in supportive treatments, cancer therapy does not have to be as difficult as you might think. You can do it! Be informed! Take action!