Someone once said to me that going through treatment is like having a full time job which you don’t want but which you have to focus on all the time. Your normal routine is disrupted by doctor visits and treatments. You may feel physically exhausted and helpless. People talk to me about fear, panic and frustration, some blame themselves for upsetting the people they love, or worry that they are a burden.

If you feel this way, you don’t have to pretend that everything is okay. Just as cancer effects your physical health, it can bring up a wide range of feelings you’re not used to dealing with. These feelings are all very common but difficult. Sometimes it is easier to share and explore them with someone who is experienced in this field and not in your immediate, close family.

With recognition of the National Cancer Institute in assembling this information.