If you have cancer, you know your life has changed. But you can still help yourself as you accept help from others. For example, take time for yourself and know your disease.  Know what kind of cancer you have,  where is it located, and what the plan is so that tests and therapies are not suddenly being done. Know the goal of your care. Is cure possible or not possible? And also know what can be done for your psychological responses. Unexpected events often cause anxiety. Learn about yourself and what is coming to avoid these events if possible. You are not alone with difficult feelings. Anxiety and depression are extremely common. 

Anxiety can precede the tests, occur during the tests, and remain in anticipation of discussing the results. People with anxiety can exhibit many symptoms.  They may be short of breath, feel their heart racing, or have a dry mouth. While some people will get only  a mental  reaction to stress, recognize that some physical symptoms can occur and are not directly caused by the cancer. Talk therapy with a trusted family member or friend may help. If not get professional help. 

If you can, help those around you. Set the proper tone for friends and family active in your "life with cancer." Express your thanks to everyone from time to time. If people are coming to the house from agencies, recognize them, thank them, and introduce them by name to other visitors. 

Some cancer patients realize that they are very vulnerable to others’ suggestions. When friends tell of a friend who did well on a treatment, recognize that your friend is trying to help. Many of these stories are meant to promote hope. Often, they are not true, or the details such as the type and extent of the cancer and the therapy given are not relevant to your care. Listen, but verify what is being said, and if the story still rings true, tell your physician.

Your family and friends may all agree with the care plan at first, but, with time, somebody (perhaps yourself) may think quite differently from the group.  You and your family may have developed different opinions about how to proceed. 

Allow others to speak their minds and air legitimate differences.