Gaining the Strength to Deal With Breast Cancer

by Suzy Farren

Working your way through. Unfortunately, breast cancer is not rare. Other than skin cancer, it is the most common cancer to afflict women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, a woman has a one-in-eight chance of developing invasive breast cancer during her life.
What can you do if you happen to be the one in eight? Here are a few steps you can take.

Accept the feelings. Shock, despair, depression, anger, and paralyzing fear are very normal reactions. Your life has just been turned upside down. It’s not uncommon to feel disoriented.

Despite the fear cancer evokes, it is important to remember that you have the power to take control of how you will live your life during treatment. Now is the time to gather support and mobilize energy for the struggle ahead, while giving your emotions full respect.

Become informed.There are many support and information groups for people with breast cancer. Information and support are also readily available via telephone, at libraries and bookstores, and on the internet. You can find help with everything from transportation to dealing with depression to breast reconstruction.

Actually, so much information is available that it‘s easy to experience overload, so you’ll want to get organized. Begin a file with information about breast cancer. Include information you receive during visits to your physician as well as any other information you see fit.

Take an active role. Good communication with your physician and treatment team is vital. Because you will be preoccupied with many thoughts, write down your questions before your visits.

Avoid isolation. Talk about your feelings with your spouse, if married, with close friends, a counselor, or a spiritual advisor. You may also find it helpful to start a journal of your thoughts and feelings.

Maintaining a sense of hope is vital. Yes, you are facing a frightening time, but also focus on the good in your life. Focus on today rather than the unknown future.

Don’t overestimate your energy. If you undergo chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiation therapy, you can expect to feel drained, tired, and sick. Involve your friends and family in helping you with routine tasks such as making dinner, grocery shopping, child care, and even bill paying. Don’t feel guilty about asking others for help—most of them will want to help you.

Develop a new body image. Women who undergo mastectomy or lumpectomy often experience profound emotions, according to Michelle Melin, director of patient services at Y-ME, a national breast cancer organization that offers information and support services.

Support groups offer the opportunity to express what you’re feeling and find out how other women who have been through similar experiences are coping.

Adjusting to your new image will most likely be difficult at first. Allow yourself time to grieve and move through your feelings following surgery.

Expect the “post-treatment blues.” Sometimes the post-treatment period is the most difficult time for people with cancer. Emotional recovery takes longer than physical recovery. Some women feel abandoned when the people who were so supportive during treatment are no longer readily available. It’s important to get support during the post-treatment phase.

And remember that your loved ones have also been affected by your illness, and may need help coping after the initial crisis passes.

Take heart. Give yourself permission to cry and rage, but then gather you resources—your inner strength and your friends and your loved ones—to help you respond with courage and hope.

Excerpt taken from “Gaining the Strength to Deal With Breast Cancer” CareNote.