How Do I Prepare for Stomach Cancer Treatment?
Preparing for stomach cancer treatment may be the most difficult thing you have faced up to this point in your life. You are probably feeling sad, scared or confused about how and why you got cancer, and there is probably much uncertainty about what your new normal will be as you undergo treatment. While starting treatment for stomach cancer can be scary, there are a number of ways you can help prepare physically and emotionally for treatment to help things go as smoothly as possible.
Talking about stomach cancer treatment
One way to relieve some of your initial fear is to learn as much as you can about your cancer and the treatments you will be having. This will help you understand what will be happening to your body, and prepare mentally for any potential side effects that may occur. For clinical information about your malignancy, your physician is the best person to talk to. Some also find it helpful to talk to friends, family or a counselor about the way they are feeling.
Prepare a travel bag for stomach cancer treatment
Whether you are having surgery or will be frequenting the hospital for chemotherapy, it may be a good idea to pack a bag with items to keep you comfortable and relaxed during treatment. Your bag might include:
- A sweatshirt and other comfortable clothes
- A pillow and blanket
- Books
- An iPod and headphones
- Cards, crossword puzzles and other activities
- A journal and pen
- Crackers and other snacks
If you have been diagnosed with stomach cancer and are looking for comprehensive treatment services and compassionate supportive care, turn to Moffitt Cancer Center. Our stomach cancer patients benefit from the expertise of many specialists in our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program, who collaborate as a tumor board to ensure each patient’s treatment plan addresses the unique challenges of their cancer. Moffitt patients also have access to helpful supportive care professionals to help them cope with the difficulties of undergoing treatment.
To learn more about our unique approach to stomach cancer treatment at Moffitt, fill out a new patient registration form online or call 1-888-663-3488. We see patients with or without referrals.