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With more than two million new cases of cancer expected in 2024, a Florida physician who survived the disease wants to help others navigate the terrain of a life-changing diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Dr. Chris Scuderi, who practices at Millennium Physician Group in Jacksonville, was diagnosed with bladder cancer<\/u> in Nov. 2020 \u2014 at the end of a challenging year amid the COVID pandemic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“My diagnosis came as a great surprise because I was in my mid-40s, had no family history, worked out almost every day and overall ate a very healthy diet,” Scuderi told Fox News Digital in an interview.\u00a0<\/p>\n
OHIO NURSE AND MOM BEATS CERVICAL CANCER AS EXPERT SHARES WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Scuderi had none of the risk factors or typical symptoms normally associated with bladder cancer.<\/p>\n
“I thought I had food poisoning,” he said.<\/p>\n
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A cancer diagnosis can come with a wide range of overwhelming emotions, survivors shared with Fox News Digital.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHe underwent surgery a week after the diagnosis and then completed a year\u2019s worth of chemotherapy specifically targeted for bladder cancer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Today, Scuderi is healthy and cancer-free. He\u2019s made some lifestyle changes<\/u>, including putting a greater emphasis on eating more plant-based foods and getting regular exercise.\u00a0<\/p>\n
OVARIAN CANCER TREATMENT ON FAST TRACK FOR FDA APPROVAL AS CHEMO ALTERNATIVES EMERGE: ‘WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS’<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n “Stress, overwork and irregular sleep were areas of my life I had to address as a physician, husband and father,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Over the past two years, I have been using a fitness tracker to closely monitor my sleep, stress levels and recovery each day, and use this objective data to prioritize my rest.”<\/p>\n
Emotional roller-coaster<\/strong><\/h2>\nEach patient\u2019s emotional reaction will be different, Scuderi noted.<\/p>\n
“The first few weeks can bring up a lot of emotions, and the unknown is extremely scary,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“You don\u2019t know what treatment options you will have or how this will affect your life or your family members\u2019 lives. You don\u2019t know how this will affect your work or future plans.”<\/p>\n
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Dr. Chris Scuderi (left), who practices at Millennium Physician Group in Jacksonville, Florida, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in Nov. 2020. “Stress, overwork and irregular sleep were areas of my life I had to address as a physician, husband and father,” he said.<\/span> (Dr. Chris Scuderi)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n“There\u2019s a lot to process, and it feels like your life is stopping while the rest of the world is moving forward.”<\/p>\n
Some patients may feel grief over the loss of their health<\/u>, and the abandonment of plans that must be put on hold, the doctor noted. This can also cause feelings of anger.<\/p>\n
Denial is also a common response, as many patients resist the reality of their lives changing.<\/p>\n
\n“The first few weeks can bring up a lot of emotions, and the unknown is extremely scary.”<\/p>\n
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Anxiety and fear are also typical emotions, Scuderi said, as any cancer diagnosis sparks feelings of uncertainty and unease.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Talking with your health care team about the diagnosis, including how you feel about it and the plan for treatment and any next steps, is helpful in relieving some of that anxiety,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s also common to wonder, \u2018Why is this happening to me?\u2019 or \u2018Did I do something to cause this?\u2019” the doctor added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
DOCTORS TOLD WOMAN SHE WAS TOO YOUNG FOR A COLONOSCOPY. THEN SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH STAGE 3 COLON CANCER<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n “Patients may have conflicting emotions \u2014 like shock, sadness, peace, hope and fear \u2014 all at the same time. Knowing you have people on your side and a plan in place makes all the difference.”<\/p>\n
Erin Gratsch, an Ohio mother and fitness instructor who received two breast cancer<\/u> diagnoses \u2014 first in 2016, then again in 2022 \u2014 also experienced a wide range of emotions, she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n
The first was shock. “How did this happen to me?”<\/p>\n
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Two-time cancer survivor Erin Gratsch, shown here, has completed nine Boston Marathons.\u00a0<\/span> (Erin Gratsch)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNext was guilt. “What did I do? Could I have done something to cause or prevent this?”<\/p>\n
Anger was another prevalent emotion, especially when Gratsch\u2019s second diagnosis arrived.<\/p>\n
“I remember throwing my end table across the family room and it broke into pieces,” she said.<\/p>\n
CANCER IS NOW LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG HIV-POSITIVE PEOPLE, REPORT SAYS: \u2018OF GREAT CONCERN\u2019<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Gratsch also experienced worry and depression, thinking things like, “Will I die? I don\u2019t want to go through radiation or chemo. How will I pay my bills and work? I don\u2019t want to be a burden to my family. I want to live to become a grandparent.”<\/p>\n
Then came survival mode and hope \u2014 when Gratsch shifted her outlook to, “OK, what do I have to do to beat this?”<\/p>\n
A big shift in perspective<\/strong><\/h2>\nGratitude plays a big role in Scuderi\u2019s daily routine, he said.<\/p>\n
“Before I fall asleep, I identify three things I am grateful for specifically from that day, as I have realized now more than ever that each day is a gift,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Many studies show how powerful gratitude is for our health, and it is easy at our current pace to miss many of the great moments and connections we had during our day if we don\u2019t take time to reflect on them.”<\/p>\n
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It’s important to have a support team who can help you along the path from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, a doctor said.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nScuderi has spent more time with his family and friends since his diagnosis, prioritizing travel and experiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To celebrate the end of his cancer treatments, he hiked the last 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago with a group of good friends.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n“I identify three things I am grateful for specifically from that day.”<\/p>\n
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“Cancer changes your perspective,” he said. “Getting through a diagnosis and treatment really helps you see what is truly important. It also helped to renew the power of choice in my life.”<\/p>\n
Scuderi\u2019s triumph over cancer has also strengthened his belief in the importance of encouragement.<\/p>\n
COLORECTAL CANCER IS NOW LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG YOUNG ADULTS WITH CANCER: NEW REPORT<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n “There were many people who kept me up during my diagnosis, surgery and treatments<\/u>,” he told Fox News Digital. “It has since become a mission of mine to encourage others.”<\/p>\n
He also emphasized that growth even post-cancer is not linear. “It is sometimes two steps forward and one step back.”<\/p>\n
Tips for dealing with post-diagnosis emotions<\/strong><\/h2>\nFor those who have just received a diagnosis, Scuderi and Gratsch offer tips for navigating those first days and weeks.<\/p>\n
Communicate with your care team<\/strong><\/h3>\n“Talking with your family physician<\/u>, oncologist and other members of your treatment team will be helpful in managing any anxiety and uncertainty around the diagnosis and fear of what\u2019s next,” said Scuderi.<\/p>\n
“Many patients notice their stress lessens when they know what they need to do, and how to take back control of their health.”<\/p>\n
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“Cancer takes a lot from you \u2014 but running and exercising was one thing I could do to feel good about myself,” said Gratsch.<\/span> (Denise F Photography\/Denise Haney)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIn Scuderi\u2019s case, the urologist who led his care has been “a huge part” of this journey.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It is important to have a team that you can communicate well with and trust,” he added.<\/p>\n
Getting a professional second opinion can also help patients feel they’re making the most informed decisions in their care, Gratsch said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
CANCER CAUSES: THESE 10 HIDDEN CARCINOGENS CAN RAISE THE RISK, ACCORDING TO AN ONCOLOGY EXPERT<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n “This gives the patient confidence that they are making the right decisions knowing both doctors are recommending the same plan,” she said. “Also, you may get additional advice or information from the second doctor that you didn\u2019t get from the first.”<\/p>\n
Build a non-medical support team<\/strong><\/h3>\nIn addition to talking with your treatment team, Scuderi said it\u2019s essential to have a support team of loved ones who can help you along the path from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Don\u2019t be afraid to lean on them when you need extra support,” he said. “It\u2019s OK to be honest \u2014 a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming no matter what, and sharing your fears with others can lighten the mental toll so you can put all your energy toward your recovery.”<\/p>\n
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Getting a professional second opinion can also help patients feel they’re making the most informed decisions in their care, a survivor shared with Fox News Digital.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nGratsch echoed the advice to allow others to take care of you.<\/p>\n
“Take advantage of local resources,” she said. “Social workers, hospitals and oncology offices can refer patients for help with financial support, emotional support groups, rides to treatment and meals.”<\/p>\n
Keep up with physical exercise as much as possible<\/strong><\/h3>\n“You may not be able to exercise as intensely as you did previously, but a 20- to 30-minute walk<\/u> is a great way to relieve stress and feel better,” Scuderi said.<\/p>\n
“Being outside when possible may also have benefits to improve our immune systems. Talk with your team about which exercises are best for you.”<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Over the course of her cancer journey \u2014 through multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation \u2014 Gratsch, an avid runner, maintained about five marathons per year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Cancer takes a lot from you \u2014 but running and exercising was one thing I could do to feel good about myself,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Continue doing things you enjoy<\/strong><\/h3>\nPursuing enjoyable hobbies and activities will help to maintain a sense of routine and keep your spirits up, Scuderi said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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To maintain a sense of routine and keep your spirits up, pursuing enjoyable hobbies and activities will help, a doctor said.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n“Sometimes patients with serious illnesses can become depressed due to the emotional toll of cancer, chemotherapy and being in hospital settings, so staying close to your hobbies and loved ones will help reduce these feelings of sadness or hopelessness<\/u>,” he said.<\/p>\nFocus on the present day<\/strong><\/h3>\n“It\u2019s so important to stay in each day and not get caught up in worrying too much about tomorrow or living in the regret of yesterday,” Scuderi said.<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n “Cancer recovery takes a lot of energy \u2014 and my patients who do their best to be present in each day seem to do better.”<\/p>\n
For more Health articles, visit <\/u><\/strong><\/i>www.foxnews.com\/health<\/u><\/strong><\/i>.<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[ad_2]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[ad_1] Join Fox News for access to this content Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account! Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24555,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24554"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24554"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24554\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24555"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}