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Dealing with feelings and emotions

Osteosarcoma is frightening to most people and can affect our whole lives. You may experience many different feelings and emotions, both positive and negative, throughout the course of your illness, from diagnosis and treatment to survival.

Everyone also has their own special way that they prefer to deal with their feelings and emotions. Some people cry in public, while others only cry when alone. Some people find laughing helpful, while others find it disrespectful. Some people grieve about their illness, while others grieve indirectly and find themselves being more emotional when they watch a sad movie or read a sad book. However you are feeling, it is important to not keep those emotions to yourself. Don't be ashamed to find someone to talk to and let out your feelings. It's good to acknowledge your feelings, because your feelings are not wrong or unusual.

Feelings are actually helpful. Feelings can help you accept your illness and can eventually help you focus on the more positive experiences, helping you get through the negative experience more easily.

Some common feelings are:

• Shock, disbelief and denial
• Loneliness
• Anger
• Embarrassment
• Jealousy
• Stress and anxiety
• Sadness and depression
• Fear

However, some positive feelings to focus on and help you cope can be:

Gratitude (Thankfulness)

Expressing gratitude for all the help your friends and family provide can create positive feelings inside yourself and others. Their many visits to the hospital and encouragement during treatment may help you through some trying times.

Relief and comfort

As you learn more about your osteosarcoma, understanding what's going on in your body and what it takes to battle your disease may be a source of relief and comfort.

Finding out that your treatment is working may be comforting.

Sharing your feelings and emotions with others may help provide relief and comfort.

Happiness and excitement

Encouraging test results from your doctor or lessening side effects from treatment can be a source of happiness and excitement.

When hair and blood counts return to normal following chemotherapy may be a reason to celebrate.