It's hard to put into words what you feel when you hear that you have cancer. Your mind is suddenly overwhelmed, and many emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear come to mind. It may be hard to accept this at first. But after a while, once you accept this situation, you may also feel a little hopeful. All of these feelings are very normal. But at the same time, the big question on your mind is probably "What do I do now?". Okay, so let's see what you need to know to face this journey.
Know exactly about your medical condition
The most important thing to do first is to find out as much information as possible about the type of cancer you have. Talk to your doctor and find out exactly what stage your disease is in.
"Early-stage breast cancer" means that the cancer has not yet spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes in the armpit. In fact, most people who are diagnosed with breast cancer are in this early stage. This includes the following stages:
- Stage 0 (Stage 0 - Ductal Carcinoma in Situ ): In this stage, the cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts.
- Stage I-II: In these stages, there may be tumors of varying sizes in the breasts and testicles.
- Stage IIIa: The cancer may have spread to several larger nodes or nodules.
The type of treatment you need will depend on the stage of your cancer. Most often, a combination of surgery and radiation therapy is given. You may also be given chemotherapy or other medications before or after surgery.
The most important thing is to write down the questions you want to know on a piece of paper before you go to see the doctor. If you have trouble remembering what the doctor says, record it right away, or take a trusted friend or family member with you. It's not easy to understand all of this on your own.
Talk to trusted people about this.
Cancer is a very personal thing, so it's up to you to decide who you tell and how much detail you share. But rather than trying to go through this journey alone, it can be a great relief to share your grief with those closest to you. In the early stages, consider talking to these people:
- Your husband or partner
- Other family members at home
- Your best, most trusted friends
- Maybe someone you trust at your workplace.
You may need to take time off for treatment , so you should let your supervisor or human resources know so they can help you plan your leave accordingly.
Create a group that can help you.
No one should be alone when fighting cancer. The social support you receive can go a long way in improving the quality of your life. Let's take a look at who can help you with this and how you can help them.
| People who can support you | The support received |
|---|---|
| Spouse and family | Being mentally strong, going to the doctor together, helping with daily tasks. |
| Best friends | Listening to what you have to say, making up your mind, and providing practical help when needed. |
| People with similar experiences (Support Groups) | Giving you the feeling that you are not alone, sharing experiences, and giving practical advice. |
| A therapist | Providing professional support to deal with feelings of fear and anxiety. |
| A religious leader | Providing spiritual comfort according to your beliefs. |
Ask your doctor if there are any support groups you can join.
Plan your life.
Having cancer doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you love. In fact, it's best to continue your normal routine as much as possible. Talk to your doctor about how you can fit treatment and recovery into your life.
Some questions to ask your doctor:
- Can I continue to work?
- Can I have chemotherapy on the weekend?
- Do I have to cancel my planned vacation?
- Is it good to travel during the festive season?
- What are some safe exercises I can do?
- Do I need to change my eating habits?
During treatment and recovery, you will need help with everyday tasks. Ask your loved ones for help during this time. It's a good idea to make a list of what you need help with. Then friends and family can help you choose what they can do. For example:
- Household chores (cleaning the house, doing laundry)
- Getting groceries from the store
- Taking the kids to school, helping with their homework
- Preparing food
- If you have a pet, take it for a walk.
Consider getting a second opinion.
You may feel like you need to start treatment as soon as you receive your diagnosis. That's normal. But people with early-stage breast cancer usually have a little time to figure it all out, make up their minds, and make a decision. Maybe you're not 100% sure about your diagnosis or the treatment plan your doctor has suggested. There's nothing wrong with asking another doctor about this before making any decisions.
Get a referral to see a breast cancer specialist. The new doctor will probably tell you the same thing as the previous one. But sometimes he or she may give you other options to consider. Check to see if your health insurance will cover this second opinion. Also, ask your current doctor to send you all of your medical records, which the new doctor will need.
A diagnosis of breast cancer can change your life. And it can affect those around you. But there are ways you and your loved ones can prepare for what lies ahead.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel scared, worried, and sad when you find out you have cancer. Allow yourself to feel those feelings and understand them.
- Ask your doctor clearly about your condition (stage, treatment options). Write down your questions.
- Don't carry this burden alone. Talk to family, trusted friends, and, if necessary, a mental health counselor.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help with daily tasks while you're undergoing treatment. It will be a great relief for you.
- If you have even the slightest doubt in your mind, consider getting a second opinion. It's your right.
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