Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, now 65, is reported to have throat cancer, and will undergo 2 months of chemotherapy and radiation according to his spokesperson. For years, Mr. Douglas had admittedly engaged in drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes regularly. "That combination is, unfortunately, a recipe for development of a throat cancer," Dr. Kenneth Hu, co-director of the Head and Neck Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, told "Good Morning America" today. Spokesperson for the 2-time Oscar winning actor shares that his doctors expect him to make a full recovery.
Mr. Douglas has chosen to remain publicly composed thus far, stating "I am very optimistic" about his condition. Further, Twentieth Century Fox says his upcoming film release Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps will open as scheduled on Sept. 24, despite the actor's new cancer diagnosis, and that Michael Douglas plans to promote the film as scheduled.
Yet behind the scenes, it is likely that the actor is still grappling with frightening news of his new cancer diagnosis. For many, this can be one of the most terrifying moments in a person's life. Fear, anxiety, heightened psychological distress, anger and sadness are just some of the difficult feelings that people experience when facing a new cancer diagnosis. Being overwhelmed with such feelings can make it extremely hard to remain organized and well-informed about the treatment phase following a new diagnosis.
During my work in the Behavioral Medicine Dept. of Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA I regularly provided psychotherapy for patients coping with new cancer diagnoses, as well as during and after their treatment phase. It is not uncommon for people to continue to be confused and unsure of how to proceed throughout this difficult period of their lives. Below is a simple list of tips that can help alleviate some of the confusion and fear following a diagnosis of cancer.
1. Make a list of your questions before each appointment. Some people keep a "running list" and write down new questions as they think of them. Make sure to have space on this list to write down the answers from your doctor or nurse. Print this 'Questions to ask your doctor about your cancer treatment' and bring it to your next appointment.
2. Bring a family member or trusted friend to your medical visits. This person can help you understand what the doctor or nurse says, and talk with you about it after the visit is over. Having source(s) of support is key. You should also ask your doctor about being connected to a medical social worker who can also be very helpful with managing the logistical details of your treatment.
3. Ask all your questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you do not understand an answer, keep asking until you do. That is what your doctors and nurses are there to do, in addition to providing you with your treatment.
4. Take notes. You can write them down, or record them. Later, you can review your notes and remember what was said.
5. Ask for printed information about your specific type of cancer and associated chemotherapy and/or radiation.
6. Let your doctor or nurse know how much information you want to know, when you want to learn it, and when you have learned enough. Some people want to learn everything they can about cancer and its treatment. Others only want a little information, in different phases. The choice is yours.
7. Find out how to contact your doctor or nurse in an emergency. This includes who to call, and where to go.
This article was submitted by Dr. Christina Villarreal, Clinical Psychologist in Oakland, CA. For professional referrals and inquiries please contact her at christina.villarreal@gmail.com
SOURCE: National Cancer Institute, PEOPLE magazine
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