Emotional well-being

Being told you have a neuroendocrine tumor is a lot to process. There is shock, fear, anger, stress, anxiety, uncertainty and a wide range of emotions. In addition to understanding what NET is and the treatment options, there is a lot that can be done to help manage both your physical and mental well-being.

The mind-body connection is powerful. Not losing sight of the importance of mental health and how it impacts physical well-being is important. There are a lot of tips that have been helpful for many patients:

• Everyone’s cancer journey is different. Your experience is unique to you and you absolutely have the right to feel however it is that you feel. You may experience a wave of changing emotions and that’s okay. You are not alone. Consider professional counseling, including individual, couple, family and/or group therapy and support groups.

• Focus on the things you can change, and acknowledge what you cannot change. When you feel lost and scared, it’s easy to want to have control over everything but there are many elements of your diagnosis that are simply beyond your control. This might stay or it might change, but know you are doing the best you can in this moment. Continue to do the things that you enjoyed before your diagnosis. Keep learning. It helps to be informed. When you know what to expect, you might feel less afraid and more in control.

• You have the support of the people around you: family, friends, and cancer support groups. There are several Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) that focus solely on NET. They bring patients with NET together and offer amazing guidance, support and education. Try to make healthy lifestyle choices. Pay attention to your needs for rest, nutrition and exercise.

• Get involved in something unrelated to NET/cancer. Some people find fulfillment by volunteering for a worthy cause.