Change and Uncertainty

The treatment process is one filled with changes and uncertainty: When will this be done? How can I plan ahead? Answers to these questions are difficult because each patient responds differently to treatment, and complications are hard to predict. Patients often adapt to this uncertainty by trying to take each day one at a time.

Your Goals

• Adapt to change.
• Cope with uncertainty.

Important Signs and Symptoms (report any of these symptoms to your doctor or nurse during clinic hours each day)

• Having feelings of dread and apprehension for several days.
  
  
• Physical symptoms, such as sweaty palms, shaking, rapid heartbeat, and so on. (Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by side effects of treatment.)
  
  
• Wide mood swings that you cannot control.

What You Can Do at Home

Adapt to change.

• Identify the change that is taking place and any options you have.
  
  
• Discuss these changes with family and staff.
  
  
• Ask staff for explanations.
  
  
• Keep track of questions and information in a notebook.
  
  

Cope with uncertainty.

• If plans need to be made, consider making backup plans as alternatives.
  
  
• Talk about your hopes and disappointments with someone who listens.