Affirmation During this stage, some people approach life with renewed enthusiasm, especially if a battle plan has been formulated to conquer the cancer.
You need to find ways to reaffirm your interest in life, in pleasurable activities, in your profession or your hobbies. The role of loved ones and friends is especially important. They have to give you "permission" to share your worries and fears. They can do this by encouraging you to tell them about your problems rather than turning off communication by trying to simply cheer you up. Giving blanket reassurance by saying "everything will be okay" sends the message that they want to hear only good things. They have to affirm that they are truly interested in you as an individual going through perhaps the most critical time of your life.
This stage—which, one hopes, can last a long time—also includes key medical judgments such as the affirmation that the correct physician is in charge of your care and is making the correct decisions about treatment. Sometimes a relapse, a setback or even an uncertain lab test or x-ray report may disrupt the redirection process. You may suddenly find yourself back in a stage of disbelief or discovery, but you will be better prepared to settle on and handle the course of action required to resolve new questions or problems.
During this stage you will also usually be forced by circumstances to deal with physical, emotional, financial and social effects, whether your illness is considered to be cured, is in remission or requires continued treatment. You must master the techniques of how to get on with your life and enjoy yourself despite problems such as denial of health insurance claims, prejudice in the workplace and trying to find people with whom you can share your problems.
