Support

Like many people with a serious illness, you may find that your disease and treatment impacts nearly every aspect of your life. Relationships with your family and friends may take a new shape. Your work and leisure activities may change. Certainly your inner life—your thoughts and feelings about your body, health, and future—may shift as you go through this experience.

The practical matters of daily life can be disrupted, too. For instance, if you live outside the Seattle area, you may need to relocate here for a while during your treatment.

At times you may settle into the new routine of treatment. Sometimes the whole experience may feel overwhelming. Common feelings include depression, anxiety, mood swings, and fear of recurrence or death. These feelings may continue after your treatment ends.

The staff at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) can help you deal with both the practical and emotional impacts of your cancer and treatment.

Here are important links to services you may find useful:

Patient & Family Support
Practical information about housing, transportation, and a wide variety of resources at SCCA and in the Seattle area

Spiritual & Emotional Support
Ministry and worship; support groups and counseling services for patients and families; and wellness programs for people going through cancer treatment, including exercise, crafts, music, and beauty programs

March 2006