Uncertainty, loss of control, being overwhelmed Many reactions you felt upon diagnosis will reappear periodically. As time goes by you may begin to have more positive feelings such as a new closeness to family members, a new understanding of what is really important in your life and an awareness of an inner strength in you and family members. Many people wonder what to do with these feelings and if others have them as well. Remember, people handle feelings differently. Some people prefer to talk about their feelings, others keep them inside and work through the feelings in nonverbal ways.
Some individuals withdraw or deny certain feelings exist.
Still others take their feelings out on family, friends or others. It may help to know that you and your family members or friends may not deal with the same feelings at the same time. Each person adjusts to the illness in his or her own way and in his or her own time. What helps one person may not help another. For many individuals living with cancer, sharing feelings and crying strengthen their ability to live from day to day.