You may have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. It's a shocking news. You may be thinking a thousand things right now, feeling overwhelmed, scared, and sad. That's normal. But there are things you can do to stay strong, prepare for what's coming, and take some control of your condition. Let's talk about them.
Accept your feelings, it's important.
When you first hear news like this, you may feel a variety of emotions. Maybe you feel a great shock at first. You may feel angry, wondering, "Why did this happen to me?" Or you may feel very sad. Sometimes you may even feel like your head is empty, not feeling anything.
The important thing is that there is no "right" way to feel at this time. All of the feelings you are feeling are normal. These feelings can change over time. While everyone living with cancer has common feelings, your experience is unique to you. So don't feel guilty about how you feel.
Awareness is the greatest power.
Your greatest power on this journey is knowledge. The more you know about your condition and what lies ahead, the more prepared and less stressed you will be. Talk to your doctor and find out exactly what type of breast cancer you have and what stage it is in.
Don't be afraid to ask all the questions you have in mind. Sometimes you forget what you wanted to ask the doctor when you go to see him. So, write down your questions in a notebook.
| Things you should definitely ask your doctor | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| What is the type and stage of my cancer? | The treatment you receive will be determined based on these factors. |
| What treatment options do I have? (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) | To gain a clear understanding of your future journey. |
| How successful is each of those treatments? | To have realistic expectations. |
| What are the possible side effects of treatment? | To prepare for it mentally and physically. |
| How does this situation affect my daily life (work, family)? | To plan future work. |
Think about this when searching for information.
If you're looking for information online on your own, only look at trusted sources. Sometimes people on social media and message boards try to help, but what they say isn't always accurate. So, talk to your doctor to confirm everything.
It's normal to feel overwhelmed when there's a lot of information . So, take one of your most trusted friends or a family member (husband, sister) with you when you go to see the doctor. When two people are listening, it's less likely that you'll miss information.
Gather people who can help you (Support System)
You don't have to go through this journey alone. It's a great relief to talk about your feelings, your fears, and your sadness. You can do this by:
- Talk to your family or close friends: Choose someone who will listen to you well and understand you.
- See a Counselor: Getting professional help can be very helpful at times like this.
- Join a support group: Talking to others who are facing breast cancer like you can help you feel "I'm not alone." You can ask your doctor about groups like this.
Plan your daily tasks in advance.
During treatment and recovery, you may feel a little tired and uncomfortable. So think about getting help with daily tasks in advance.
Imagine how great it would be to be able to take the kids to school, carry groceries around the house, and get help with cooking. If you live alone, consider staying with a family member for a while while you receive treatment.
Your friends and family are always willing to help you, but they don't know how. So don't be afraid to talk about what they can do.
How do I tell others about this?
This is entirely your personal decision. You decide who to tell and when to tell.
- To family and friends: If you talk to them about this, they will have a chance to support you. Some people will be embarrassed and not know what to say. However, most will try to comfort you and help you.
- At work: If you want to keep this private, that's your right. But if you need to take time off for treatment or change your work hours, you should let your boss or HR department know. See if you can work from home on certain days. If your treatment can be done on weekends or in the evenings, you'll have more time to recover.
Consider getting a second opinion.
You may feel like you need to start treatment right away. However, it's often a good idea to get a second opinion . This can help you make sure your diagnosis is correct and your treatment plan is the best one.
This doesn't mean you should distrust your first doctor. It can help you overcome your doubts and approach your treatment with confidence. You can ask your doctor for a referral to a breast cancer specialist. Also, ask your insurance company in advance if they will cover the cost of a second opinion.
By getting a second opinion, you can gain greater confidence and control over your treatment journey.
A diagnosis of breast cancer will have a major impact on your life. However, if you take proactive, planned action now, you will be much better prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Take-Home Message
- The emotions you are feeling (shock, sadness, anger) are normal. Accept them and give yourself time.
- Knowledge is power. Ask your doctor all the questions you have, write them down, and ask them.
- You are not alone. Share your feelings with family, friends, counselors, or support groups.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help with daily tasks. Others will be willing to help.
- Getting a second opinion can help you gain confidence in your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- This challenge can be overcome by taking each step planned and positive.
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