If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, it is important that you know there is hope. Yesterday’s advancements have paved the way for recoveries and comfortable treatment options today. In fact, medical marijuana is known to help those combating the disease. As you plan to treat and beat cancer, it is helpful to learn as much as you can. Start by knowing key questions to ask your doctor, ways to manage pain, and how your Denver dispensary can help you along the way.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Upon receiving your diagnosis, here are top questions to ask your doctor to help you be more informed:

• What is my type of cancer? Each diagnosis is different. You may combat yours differently than someone else. Cancer occurs due to an abnormal growth of cells within the body. Talk to your doctor about the type of cancer you have, how it may have started, where it is traveling, and all other details.
• What changes should I make during treatment? Your daily routine will change as you fight the cancer cells in your body. It’s important to care for yourself to ensure the best recovery possible. From your eating habits and exercise routine, to sleeping and working, ask about the changes you will need to make.
• What symptoms will I have? It is helpful to know what it normal to expect along the way. This will help you recognize signs that you might need to mention to your doctor down the road.
• Is this genetic? It is helpful to know if your cancer is genetic. This way, you can inform family members so they can at least be prepared and have routine screenings.

Ways to Manage Pain

There are many ways to manage your pain associated with cancer treatment as you go. When experiencing pain, it is important to consult with your doctor about pain management options. Everyone is different and often times will prefer one method over another. If you find one method isn’t helping, talk to your doctor and try something else.

Keep trying until you find something that works. Your doctor may have you take anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling in mild cases, or opioids for more serious pain. If there is swelling, they may prescribe steroids. For non-medical assistance, you can work with a local physical therapist. Be sure you learn more about managing cancer pain at home.

Using Marijuana to Cope

For years, marijuana has been a way those with cancer manage their pain. It helps reduce pain and inflammation in the body, as well as nausea. This makes it especially helpful for those undergoing chemotherapy. Last, marijuana will also help reduce anxiety—enabling you to focus on treatment and your goal to make a full recovery. For quick relief, cannabis can be smoked or inhaled using a vaporizer, and allows for the active ingredient, THC, to enter the bloodstream quickly. You can also consume edibles for a longer lasting effect, but the relieving qualities take thirty to forty minutes to fully kick-in.

If you have been recently diagnosed with cancer, learn how medical cannabis helps cancer patients from your Denver dispensary, Altitude the Dispensary. Our team of experts can help you find the right strain that best fits your needs. Stop by one of our Altitude Dispensary locations today to see how we can help.