4 Things You Can Do to Deal With Metastasis

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world. It affects thousands of people; and it doesn't choose any age, gender, or ethnicity. Because of the very bad prognosis, a lot of patients-and their families and friends-are finding it hard to deal with. But it becomes much worse when they learn about metastasis.
Metastasis means that the cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body, usually those that are near the primary tumor. When metastasis occurs, it means that the cancer is already in its advanced stage, and the survival rate is much lower.
It's not surprising therefore if 80 percent of those with metastatic cancer lose their hope for living a much longer life. But the truth is there are still things you can do to extend life, if not live it to the fullest.
If you're suffering from metastasis, take note of these tips:
1. See your doctor as regularly as possible. You want to monitor the progress of your illness. There are already several cases where metastasis had already occurred, and yet they still lived for a number of years because they had learned how to control the spread of cancer cells. But you can only do that if you deal with your doctor on a regular basis.
Normally, you'll be asked to undergo a series of tests to see if there's any improvement. The tests can also be utilized to determine any possible complications later. Depending on the metastatic cancer, you may be asked to go through tests at least every three months.
2. Take your medications. If you have been unfaithful with your medications, then now is the best time that you don't. The different medicines that you take are very important to halt, if not to slow down, the spread of cancer to various parts of the body. The medications can also help relieve of any symptoms or signs that may develop because of metastasis. The kinds of drugs you take will depend on what type of cancer you have. The dosage, meanwhile, will be according to the severity of the metastasis.
3. Join support groups. It's a lot harder to deal with the illness alone. You need to get a lot of support, especially from those who are sharing your experience. There are plenty of support groups that you can participate in. In fact, a lot of health care facilities already have their own in-house groups to help their patients manage their illness more effectively. By just being there, you'll realize that you're not alone in your battle.
4. Relieve yourself of the stress. Stress is one of the biggest enemies of cancer. When you're stressed, your immune system goes down. You will lose your ability to fight the cancer spread. There are different ways on how to manage stress, and one of these is through affirmations or subliminal messages.
Make it a habit to spend at least 15 minutes of relaxation. While doing so, listen to subliminal messages and affirmations that may carry the following messages:
I live life to the fullest.
It's quality of life I seek.
Cancer doesn't define me.