cancer treatment - emotional challenges
| It is frightening to be told you have breast cancer, no matter who you are, or how strong you imagine yourself to be. You suddenly feel alone, vulnerable and very much out of control. A profound sense of shock sets in. How long this feeling lasts is an individual matter. Some women snap out of it quickly and become actively involved in looking at information and treatment options. Others remain confused and disorganised for different lengths of time. Whatever your reaction is, it is important to give yourself the right to feel whatever you are feeling without any criticism or blame. There is no right way to feel about this. The roller coaster of tests and diagnostic procedures has been described as the most stressful time of all. They place a great deal of strain on your coping resources. In those first days after diagnosis, a woman is flooded with all sorts of information and opinions, as well as her own feelings. Yet, she must pull herself together so that she can fight for her own health and wellbeing. It is important to understand that what you are feeling has been felt by many women in this position. What can you do? There are many things! Here are some ideas women who have been through a breast cancer diagnosis said helped them regain control. They may help you too. 1. Get the facts 2. Identify your choices 3. Work out the consequences of your choices 4. Consult experts 5. Talk to other women with breast cancer 6. Find out who there is for support for you 7. Work out how your treatment choices will affect your personal tolerance level, your work and family responsibilities and how important your appearance is. Breast cancer is also a very emotional experience for most women and their friends and family. There are many situations where it is difficult to release feelings. Work situations may not be appropriate, and at home we may not want to 'let go' in front of our partners, parents or children in case we upset them too much. A safe, understanding and caring place to deal with all emotional and personal issues breast cancer raises can be with a trained counsellor. They can listen, let you sort through your emotions at your own pace, and offer useful strategies to help you deal with feelings, both old and new, that come flooding in at this time, for you and those around you. Research shows that surgery, healing and emotional adjustment all benefit from counselling. Trained counsellors are available at St Marks Breast Centre to support and help you at this time. |