Conquer Breast Cancer
"Cancer Cannot Cripple Love, Cannot Shatter Hope, Cannot Conquer The Spirit”
- Unknown
The psychological and emotional aspect of cancer is vast and detrimental. Often times patients may find themselves feeling overwhelmed by many different emotions such as depression, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. When coping with breast cancer this usual response is a part of your life. Some women are affected differently than others, but everyone can benefit from help and support from friends and family, religious groups, support groups, professional counselors, or others.
Emotional issues can also arise after treatments. For example, patient's may be concerned the cancer will return, or be worried of the effects cancer has on family, friends, and ones career. Patients may also have new perspectives about the relationships around them. These could be positive or negative in nature. For example patients might find a new appreciation for loved ones or unexpected costs may put a financial burden on the family.
ISSUES WOMEN WITH
BREAST CANCER FACE
Many women with breast cancer face stressful issues in regards to many areas of their lives. For example, their appearance might have changed, and/or concerns about sexuality after breast cancer. For younger breast cancer survivors, changes in appearance and sexuality might be even more stressful. Some women might still be thinking about starting a family or having more children, and might worry about how the cancer and its treatment might affect this. Others might have already started families and might worry about how this could affect them. For some women, chemotherapy can cause early menopause, which can be very distressing on its own. Regardless of the changes you experience, it's important to know that there is advice and support out there to help you cope.
FINDING HELP AND SUPPORT
Almost everyone who is going through or has been through cancer can benefit from some type of support. You need people you can turn to for strength and comfort.
Support INCLUDes:
Family & Friends
Cancer support groups
Religious or spiritual groups
Online support communities
One-on-one counselors
Communication with your medical staff
What’s best for you depends on your situation and personality. Some people feel safe in peer-support groups or education groups. Others would rather talk in an informal setting, such as church. Others may feel more at ease talking one-on-one with a trusted friend or counselor. Whatever your source of strength or comfort, make sure you have a place to go with your concerns.
The cancer journey can feel very lonely. You shouldn’t feel the need to try to deal with everything on your own, and your friends and family may feel shut out if you don’t include them. Let them in and let in anyone else who you feel may help.
If you aren’t sure who can help, call Toronto Canadian Cancer Society at (416) 488-5400 and they can put you in touch with a group or resource that may work for you.