Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 42

Sources of Support Living with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer may not be easy. You may feel worried or anxious at times. Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of your healthcare team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy may be helpful if you want to talk about your feelings or concerns. Support groups also may help. In these groups, patients or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want to talk with a member of your healthcare team about finding a support group. If you are looking for spiritual direction, Mount Carmel can help. Spiritual direction is a one-to-one process that assists you in understanding God’s influence in your life. Call 614-234-6655 for more information. At Mount Carmel, we understand that we are treating not only the illness but also the person living with the disease. You and your family have access to convenient and comforting support services during your cancer care and recovery. To learn more about these resources, call 614-546-4006. 41