Serves: 5

In the beginning, understanding the basics about cancer and treatment and what you can expect is important. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

WHAT IS CANCER?
Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells--any cells--in the body. The foods we eat, our genetic makeup and the environment we've been exposed to all impact your risk of developing cancer. In fact, scientific research estimates that as much as 20 to 40 percent of cancer cases are related to diet.

HOW IS CANCER TREATED?
Treatment of most cancers requires several approaches. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or some combination of all three. The success of any treatment is related to the overall health of the survivor. A positive attitude, a sense of humor, courage, having a support system of friends and family and many other factors can have a tremendous impact on your healing and happiness.

WHY ME?
Though it is very common to pose the question "Why me?" (as almost every newly diagnosed cancer patient does), there is no exact answer. Individually, each patient must seek out answers to his or her own personal satisfaction. Asking the question "Why me?" is a normal response to grief about cancer, and it is the beginning of healing.

According to experts, grief has six stages. As we work through our grief, we move through these stages. And as the word stage implies, we may be in more than one grief stage at a time or we may move in and out of these stages in different orders, depending upon how we work through our grief. Eventually, as we heal, we reach acceptance, which allows us to move forward with our lives.

Here's a quick overview of the grief stages as they may relate to cancer:

Shock and Denial. To protect us, our brains use shock, numbness and denial to cope with the traumas we experience, whether the traumas are physical or emotional. And for many, a cancer diagnosis is trauma. During this stage, denying the diagnosis of cancer is common. You may feel as though the diagnosis is a bad dream from which you will awaken and realize isn't true. You may go about your daily routine in a very surreal or disconnected way.

Bargaining. When physical or emotional pain becomes unbearable, engaging in some form of negotiation is typical. Consciously or unconsciously, you may try to negotiate with a higher power, your spouse, your friend, your doctor or whomever you see as being able to help cure cancer and rectify the potential outcome. Bargaining is really an attempt to postpone your grief.

Anger. You may become angry about cancer--angry with yourself, family members, doctors and even the world. You may play out your anger as hurt, frustration, fear, helplessness or guilt. The reasons and targets of anger are as unique as the individuals dealing with them. You may even surprise yourself with your rage. To help you cope, ask others to listen to how angry you feel about cancer.

Guilt. You may blame yourself or others and often may feel helplessly guilty about a cancer diagnosis. You may say to yourself or others, "If only I had or hadn't done this." Or you may think, "What could I have done to prevent cancer?" Unfortunately, there may be nothing you can do or could have done to prevent or change a cancer diagnosis.

Depression. A sense of helplessness and the reality of a cancer diagnosis sinks in deeply and you feel depressed. Symptoms of depression often include loss of appetite, feelings of worthlessness, an inability to enjoy anything, insomnia or difficulty concentrating and making decisions. If depression is lasting a long time, you may want to speak about how you feel with a caring friend, or go to a mental health professional if you feel that's the care you need.

Acceptance. One day, you notice that the sun is shining and you have more good days than bad. You have hope, and you can begin to enjoy life again. At first, acceptance can be so subtle that you may not even recognize it. With time, you realize that there is life with cancer and, hopefully, life after cancer.

As you work through the stages of grief, recognizing and talking about your feelings is healthy, regardless of which stage you're in. Talking to others about how you feel is key to healing. And as you heal and accept cancer, you can begin to move on.

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP ME?
Continue to rely on your doctor as your first resource throughout your treatment. Other professionals who may be able to assist you are oncology nurses, dietitians and counselors. And you may find talking with other cancer survivors to be useful. If speaking with a cancer survivor would be helpful for you, ask your doctor for the names of survivors with the same type of cancer you have who have agreed to share their experiences. If you find their comments helpful, you may also want to share comments about your journey with newly diagnosed patients.

A cancer support group comprised of others who are going through experiences similar to your own can be an important source of support and strength. Ask your doctor to provide you with a contact or information about where and when local support groups meet. Organizations such as the American Cancer Society have an endless number of resources to share, from answering questions on hot lines to providing wigs and clothing for survivors to wear, to a website full of useful and helpful information. See 15-Additional Resources.

HOW QUICKLY CAN LIFE RETURN TO NORMAL?
Depending on the type and stage of cancer you have and the kind of treatment you are undergoing, the time it takes can vary considerably. Then again, realizing that you may have to accept a "new normal" may be crucial to your self-esteem and your survival. Talking to your doctor and to other cancer survivors will give you some perspective, but realize that each type of cancer, each survivor and each situation is unique.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM TREATMENT DAY TO DAY?
According to one cancer survivor, "Expect the unexpected." The common side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. As you undergo treatment, you will most likely experience days when you feel quite ill, days when you feel a bit better and days when you feel almost like your normal self. Tracking your own side-effect patterns relative to your treatments will give you some sense of what to expect, but realize, too, that your course may change. And there is a small percentage of patients who are fortunate enough to have little or no side effects at all.

Focus on and enjoy the days you feel well. On those days when you feel ill, remember that you will feel better again and your energy will return. As another survivor said, "This, too, shall pass."

From "Betty Crocker's Living with Cancer Cookbook." Text Copyright 2005 General Mills, Inc. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

More Recipes from the Betty Crocker's Living With Cancer Cookbook Cookbook:
01-Having A Diagnosis Of Cancer
02-Bring Back the Joy of Eating
03-Be Prepared for a Roller Coaster Ride Coaster Ride
04-So What Is Cancer All About, Anyway?
05-Take Control of Your Life
06-Eat Well and Enjoy Food
07-The Importance of Sound Nutrition
08-Enjoy Cooking, Shopping and Eating
09-Special Diets
10-Foods for Special Diets
11-Mind-Body-Spirit Connection to Healing
12-Beyond Treatment
13-The ABCs for a Healthy Lifestyle
14-Onward and Upward
A-Key to Common Side Effects
B-Foods Rich in Essential Nutrients
C-Food Guide Pyramid
D-Radiation (Radiotherapy) Remedies