Navigating Grief During Cancer Treatment: The Role of Social Work
Grief is commonly understood as a response to loss, often associated with life's significant changes. For cancer patients, feelings of grief can arise at various stages of their journey. This grief is not just about the illness itself but also about the adjustments and physical losses that come with it. Throughout the cancer journey, patients may experience grief as they face changes in their lifestyle and physical abilities. Fortunately, the Social Work team at Moffitt Cancer Center provides crucial support and guidance, helping individuals manage these emotional challenges.
The social work team offers validation, support and empathy to cancer patients and their families.
Changes to lifestyle can feel like profound losses, especially during the cancer journey. Cierra Proctor, a social worker in the Head and Neck-Endocrine Department, has experience helping patients navigate these difficult transitions. While a cancer diagnosis is one challenge, treatment often presents another, particularly when it involves surgery, and adjusting to new life post-operation presents an entirely different set of challenges. “Treatment can feel like a series of stop-go traffic lights,” Proctor said.
Proctor emphasizes the grief that accompanies post-operative recovery. Surgery can drastically alter the course of a patient's life, changing not only their physical abilities but also their psychological well-being. “The grieving process can set in leading up to a surgery that you know is going to change the rest of your life,” Proctor explained.
In the Head and Neck clinic, Proctor has supported patients through the mental tolls associated with physical changes to their voice, appearance, gastrointestinal function and movement. These physical changes are more than skin-deep; they carry significant psychological impacts. The social work team at Moffitt provides comprehensive support to help patients cope with these changes, offering counseling, emotional support and caregiver assistance, and connecting patients and families to vital community resources.
Moffitt Cancer Center offers a number of support groups for patients and caregivers.
Grief is Normal
Each surgery can bring unique personal challenges and lifestyle changes that may be difficult to accept. It’s common to grieve abilities you once had, such as the ability to speak, sing or communicate as you remember, or the ability to eat as you once did. Beyond these functional losses, patients might also grieve changes to their appearance and mobility, which can impact self-confidence and trigger feelings of anger or fear of social repercussions. Recognizing that grief is a natural part of this journey is crucial, and it’s OK to take time to come to terms with your new reality.
Moffitt’s Social Work Team is Here to Assist
The Social Work team at Moffitt offers validation, support and empathy, helping patients navigate the many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. They provide resources, normalize experiences and ensure patients never feel alone or ashamed. Social workers meet patients and their families where they are physically, offering in-person, Zoom and phone consultations. They also make a point to meet patients and their families where they are emotionally as every individual has unique approaches to grief. They also work closely with the medical team to ensure a cohesive approach to care.
Medical Decisions are Within the Patient's Control
Patients have the final say in their treatment decisions. It’s important to communicate openly with care providers about your wants, fears and desires. One thing Proctor has noticed is those who stay curious about their treatment options tend to maintain a more inspired outlook, so remember to do your own evidence-based research and discuss with your treatment team.
While your care team will provide options, the ultimate decision rests with you. Whether you decide to pursue treatment or not to pursue treatment, Moffitt is here to support and encourage you. Proctor emphasizes maintaining a sense of control during cancer treatment can be empowering amidst the uncertainty. Engage in in-depth conversations with your medical team, and always consider your goals: Is your priority to be cancer-free? Is it to avoid disfigurement? Your goals guide your choices.
Positive Support Systems are Crucial
Surrounding yourself with a strong support system can make a significant difference in your ability to cope and achieve positive outcomes. Moffitt offers various support groups, including general groups for both patients and caregivers, as well as specialized groups for breast cancer, ostomates and those dealing with head and neck cancers. These groups help patients connect with others facing similar challenges and provide caregivers with the tools they need to be effective advocates. “Remember, your Moffitt care team can’t work with you 24/7, so having a reliable support network at home is essential,” Proctor emphasized.
Coping Skills Create Hope
Developing and maintaining positive coping skills can provide a sense of hope during challenging times. Proctor advises patients to stay active in whatever ways they can — whether it’s walking, engaging in hobbies or finding new activities that fit their current abilities. It’s important to take things day by day, lean on others for support and keep communication open with those who want to help you. Be patient with yourself and others — everyone grieves differently. Don’t hesitate to talk to a mental health professional, such as a social worker, and prioritize self-care, including getting enough sleep as fatigue can affect your ability to cope. Stay curious, advocate for yourself and never stop asking questions.
Increase Hope, Decrease Expectations
Expectations and hope serve different purposes in the cancer treatment journey. Expectations are often tied to specific, measurable outcomes, such as the effectiveness of treatment or the desire to return to life exactly as it was before diagnosis. However, these expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment if reality doesn’t align perfectly with what was anticipated.
On the other hand, hope is a more fluid, sustaining force. It’s the inner belief that, despite challenges and uncertainties, there is a way forward. Hope doesn’t rely on specific outcomes; instead, it’s the motivation that helps you face each day with courage and determination. By lowering rigid expectations and embracing hope, you allow yourself to adapt to whatever challenges arise, finding strength in each small victory. This mindset helps you focus on what you can control — your attitude and efforts — while remaining open to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Embrace resilience. Each challenge in cancer treatment is a step toward greater strength.
Resilience is a Product of Difficult Changes
Difficult changes can lead to profound resilience. Some patients, despite grieving what they’ve lost, find ways to adapt and regain their independence. For example, one patient who lost their voice chose not to use a voice box device but instead communicates through writing and technology, maintaining their autonomy in a way that works for them. This patient’s experience of resilience highlights the strength that can emerge from adversity, proving that even in the face of loss, you can find new ways to thrive.
Finding Light
Grief may cast a long shadow over the cancer journey, but it does not have to dominate your path. With the compassionate support of Moffitt's Social Work team, patients and their families are never alone in navigating the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany treatment. By embracing hope, building strong support systems and focusing on what you can control, you can find light in the darkest corners, adapt to new realities and emerge with a resilience that empowers you to thrive despite the losses you face.
