Living With Breast Cancer And Its Treatments: Breast Cancer

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Living with breast cancer and its treatments

A woman diagnosed with breast cancer has many emotional bridges to cross while coping with the physical aspects of diagnosis and treatment. At a time when decisions must be made quickly, it nevertheless takes time to accept and understand a breast cancer diagnosis and make the transition into treatment and beyond.

It is important that your focus on tests and treatments does not prevent you from taking care of yourself emotionally or spiritually. Concerns about body image often arise for women undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. Questions about long-term survival are also paramount.

The surgical removal of all or part of a breast can be a stressful event for any woman. It may help to prepare yourself and members of your family by talking with your surgeon in detail about the extent of the surgery and the results. Ask to see photographs of patients who have had the type of surgery that is being suggested for you.

Your husband or partner, or a close friend or relative, can sit in on such discussions so that both of you receive the same information. At such an emotional time, he or she may remember more clearly than you what the doctor said, and having a close ally with you can ease the shock and anxiety you are likely to feel. This is especially important when you're dealing with the loss of a breast because of mastectomy, but can be just as helpful when discussing a lumpectomy.

Talking with other women who have gone through the same process is a helpful way to come to terms with the emotional effects of surgery before and after the operation. You will be surprised how many other women have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are willing - and even happy - to talk about it. Consider counseling and support groups. Consider using mind-body techniques or turn to your source of spiritual help to calm your mind and fortify your emotional strength.

The National Cancer Institute recommends these self-help steps:

• Seek out information. Learn as much as you care to know about your disease and its treatment. This can lessen your fear of the unknown and increase your feeling of control.

• Focus. Try to keep your treatment goals in mind. This will help you keep a positive attitude on days when the going gets rough.

• Keep a journal. A record of your activities and thoughts can help you understand the feelings you have as you go through treatment and highlight questions you need to ask your doctor or nurse. You can also use your journal to record the steps you take to cope with the side effects of treatment and how well those steps work. That way, you'll know which methods worked best for you in case you have the same side effects again.

• Eat right. Eating well is very important. Your body needs food to rebuild tissues and regain strength.

• Set goals. Set realistic goals, and don't be too hard on yourself. You may not have as much energy as usual, so try to get as much rest as you can. Let the "small stuff" slide and do only the things that are most important to you.

• Get involved in activities. Try to find interesting things to focus on other than your disease. Try a new hobby or learn a new skill.

• Exercise. Using your body can help you get rid of stress, tension, or anger and build your appetite. It can give you a useful goal to meet and help you feel better about yourself. Ask your doctor or nurse when it is safe to start exercising and which exercises you can do. Some people can start with simple exercises as soon as the day after breast surgery.

• Consider psychotherapy. Also known as "talk therapy," psychotherapy with a trained professional such as a psychologist, social worker, or clergy member can help people who experience depression or anxiety in the first several months after their diagnosis. Although these psychological problems tend to diminish with time, especially once recovery is under way, psychotherapy can help ease the symptoms.

• Join a support group. Many women with breast cancer find it helpful to talk with women who are going through the same experience and can share thoughts and emotions that they may not feel comfortable discussing with anyone else. Talk with your doctor or nurse or with your local chapter of the American Cancer Society to find a support group in your area.

Last updated:	April 23, 2007