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Psychology, family and everyday life

Hope: real and flexible

Hope is not only the thought "I will get better". It can change: hope for a good result, a pain-free day, time with family or a small goal. This section explains how to keep and nourish hope.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A small green sprout growing through dry cracked soil
Figure 1.Hope can grow even in hard ground

01Short answer

Today, treatment results for many types of leukemia are much better than in the past, and many people reach remission. Ask your doctor openly about your own situation; accurate information strengthens hope. Set small goals: a walk today, a favourite film this week. Success stories inspire, but every person is different. Hope and worry can exist at the same time. If you feel you are losing hope, share it with a psychologist or loved ones.

02Simple explanation

Hope can change.

Accurate information helps.

Small goals.

Hope and fear can be together.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: once people accept the diagnosis and settle into a treatment routine, many feel a sense of hope; how hope affects the body is still being studied.

NCI: most people facing cancer feel anxiety, sadness or anger; support and treatment improve quality of life.

04What happens in the body?

Statistics

Overall figures are not your personal prognosis; talk to your doctor.

Meaning

Faith, family and creativity can be sources of hope.

Psycho-oncology

The field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.

Small steps

Breathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

05Support: four steps

Feel it, name it, share it, get help.

Feel — Allow your feelings.1FeelAllow your feelings.
Name — Say what you feel.2NameSay what you feel.
Share — Talk to someone close.3ShareTalk to someone close.
Get help — Reach out to a specialist.4Get helpReach out to a specialist.
AttentionListen to yourself.
ConnectionYou are not alone.
SupportA specialist is there.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
StatisticsOverall figures are not your personal prognosis; talk to your doctor.
MeaningFaith, family and creativity can be sources of hope.
Psycho-oncologyThe field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.
Small stepsBreathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

07Key terms

Remission
The disappearance of signs of disease.
Prognosis
The expected course.
Psychologist
A specialist in emotional support.
Distress
Emotional strain linked to illness.

08Key points

  • Small goals.
  • Accurate information.
  • Share.
  • Feelings are normal.
  • Ask for support.

09Frequently asked questions

Is false hope harmful?

Hope is stronger together with real information.

I have lost hope; what now?

Talk; a psychologist and your team can help.

Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

No. It is looking after yourself in a hard situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is false hope harmful?

  2. I have lost hope; what now?

  3. Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Adjusting to Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. Support for Caregivers
  4. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
  5. Cancer Research UK. Exercise guidelines for people with cancer
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  7. NHS. Falls
  8. NHS. Balance exercises
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
  10. NHS. Physiotherapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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