Being Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Being Diagnosed with Breast CancerBeing diagnosed with breast cancer is shattering news and it may suddenly become the only thing that matters to you. While it is important for you to research your type of cancer and its treatment options, your cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to become your
Have People Around to Support You Having people around to support you is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Whether it is a support group, family, friends or another group of people, that support can impact whether your treatment succeeds or fails. If you let it, breast cancer can easily consume your thoughts and actions. This can cause undue stress and diminish your body's ability to fight the disease. Instead, try to focus on relieving your stress. One great way to do this is through yoga and meditation. It calms your mind and body and can lift your spirits. Research shows that when you feel better mentally, the physical symptoms of breast cancer and the cancer treatments will be a little less stressful. It's OK to Grieve Many people get their diagnosis and decide to take the stoic route. This may seem like a sound philosophy, but it's not necessarily realistic. Suppressing your feelings can get to you and many survivors will tell you that it is best to express what you're feeling. Yes, it's good to have a positive attitude, but take the time to cry and vent to friends and family members. It gives you a sense of relief. Many of us have busy lives and juggle taking care of your family, work, household and more. Adding breast cancer treatments to your already busy daily routine can be very draining. Don't be afraid to ask for help, or when it's offered, accept it. Not accepting help can leave you stressed out and very tired. This makes your body less prepared to fight the breast cancer battle. Remember, your friends and family are grieving too and want to do whatever they can for you. Accept their offers. Be Active If you are up to it, exercise is a very good way to cope with the stress of breast cancer. It can lift your spirits and help you maintain a positive body image which may be affected by the breast cancer especially if a mastectomy is necessary. Exercise can give you energy that you need to get through treatments and your daily routines.
Yes, breast cancer will change your life, sometimes even for the better. While your life won't be the same you can still try to maintain a positive attitude and not let the cancer defeat you.  |
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