Over 250,000 women get diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States, alone. While there have been huge strides in breast cancer research and treatment options, receiving that official diagnosis from a medical professional is never easy.
Any type of cancer can be scary. Even if your breast cancer was caught in the early stages, hearing those words can feel like a huge weight on your shoulders.
So, what can you do to cope with your diagnosis? How can you handle hearing that “C” word with a positive outlook and a determination to beat the disease?
Keep in mind that it’s totally normal to experience a wide range of intense emotions once you receive your diagnosis. Being able to sort out and manage those emotions will make a difference in how well you cope.
Don’t Keep It All Inside
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is keeping it to yourself, or trying to hide your real emotions. Again, it’s a scary thing to hear, and it’s okay to express your worries and your fears with the people who matter to you.
When you open up and share how you’re feeling with someone you trust, you’re also taking some of the burdens of bearing it alone off of yourself. Having a support system can make a huge difference in how you get through your treatment, so don’t feel the need to “be strong” and keep your emotions inside.
Take Care of Your Whole Self
It will be easy for your emotions to get the best of you. Don’t let that stop you from caring for both your emotional and physical needs. It’s okay to take time to adjust to the changes you’re going through. Your needs and priorities may shift from day to day, leaving you feeling out of sync with your sense of self.
You may need to adjust your diet, your clothing or grooming habits, and even your recreation preferences. This may only change a little for some, but substantially for others.
Regardless, make sure you invest the needed time in your own self-care during this stressful time. It may be the last thing you think you have time for, but no one can run on empty. You will need to find ways to refuel yourself now more than ever. (Read more about this at Why Self-Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury, and Self-Care Strategies - More Than a Luxury Spa Day)
Talk to Your Partner
If you’re in a relationship, it’s important to talk to your partner about what you need from them. You may want more physical closeness, or you might need some extra space. The more willing you are to express these things to your partner, the better they’ll be as a support system for you.
It’s also okay to talk about intimacy with your partner. Keep in mind that you’re in the driver’s seat, and your partner is likely waiting for you to tell them what you need, what you want, and what you don’t want. It might be a bit of an uncomfortable conversation at first, but it will help to keep your relationship strong throughout the process. Also, this will offer you the reassurance that you can always lean on the one you love.
Talk to Your Doctor
One of the best things you can do if you’re worried about your diagnosis is to talk with your doctor. Ask as many questions as you want, even if you think they might sound silly or insignificant.
Your doctors can give you the medical answers you really need. Staying informed about your illness, the treatment options, and what to expect throughout the process can provide a sense of comfort and peace.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and you’re having a hard time coping with the changes in your life, you’re not alone. Please read more about coping with chronic illness and feel free to contact me to set up an appointment. Together, we can talk about different coping techniques you can use every day to keep your cancer concerns in check and your life as fullfiling as possible.
Contact Me
If you would like help in developing or implementing any of these ideas, please reach out to me.
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and well-being.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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Chronic Illness: Finding Your "New Normal"
Coping with Chronic Illness - How to Maintain a Positive Outlook
How To Cope When a Diagnosis of Cancer Changes Everything
How to Help Loved Ones Understand Your Chronic Illness & Limits
My Chronic Illness is NOT All in My Head
