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Site Navigation		Surviving Lymphoma: Stress & PTSD

Stress starts the moment the doctor says the patient has cancer and may well last long into remission. Of course cancer is not the only stressful thing a survivor might encounter: financial concerns, employment concerns, relationships with others, and self image are potential sources of stress.

These thoughts can lead to restlessness, lost productivity, and possibly physical illness.

Since the causes of stress vary so widely it is nearly impossible to provide a pat answer on how to reduce it. But there are some sound ways to work through stress. The first step: identifying why one feels stress. Make a list (check it twice). Next to each stress cause try to write down what causes the stress.

Once you have identified your current stresses and some idea of their cause, it comes down to organizing ones own coping strategy. Many people find their own ways to cope. Methods some people have used include:

Imagery and relaxation techniques
Embracing ones beliefs
Embracing ones friends and family

Just as it is important to have a caregiver system when receiving treatment, it is important to have a support system into remission. Embrace those around you - friends, family, coworkers but also remember there are professionals - medical center social workers and therapists if you wish. Just as no one doubted your diagnosis no one should doubt your feelings of stress.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Lymphoma is now known to cause lasting stress trauma in a percentage of survivors. This may not be known to all oncologists and medical staff because the number of people surviving lymphoma for long periods has only increased significantly in the last 30 years or so.

Reference and Information

Psychological Stress and Cancer - a paper from the US National Cancer Institute
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - papers from the US National Cancer Institute. Physician and Patient

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This page is a work in progress - if you have more complete information, references, or other information please contact the author. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions.

Surviving Lymphoma: Stress & PTSD