Even if you don't fall victim to these superstitions, however, cancer can take away or change some of the things that have always given you a sense of self-esteem.
Your Body Image Changes to your body as a result of surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy can have a devastating effect on your self-esteem, especially if the changes are visible to other people. If you lose some part of your body, if you have scars or skin changes or if you lose your hair or a lot of weight, everyone can't help but notice. And you're bound to feel uncomfortable when they do, at least at first. If you have to have an ostomy you may feel humiliated by having to collect your body wastes in a bag. If you have surgery to your genitals, you may feel that you are no longer a "real man" or a "real woman."
But your body is not your self. Your true self is your spirit and your soul. It may be hard for you to accept this truth, but you can come to accept it with help and encouragement. Become involved with a support group and get to know other people who have had similar body changes. Just as you will be able to relate to them, other people will be able to relate to you just as you are. The volunteers who work with groups or other social agencies can help you adjust emotionally. You, in turn, may eventually be of value to others going through the same changes.
Loss of Independence and Control To some extent, these are inevitable for anyone with cancer. In the beginning, you will have to depend on the medical system for your very life. When you are in the hospital,
