How Do You Feel After Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
A picture of Hope, Life Goes On
From time to time, I imagine all women ask themselves this question. Maybe some of us think we can imagine what it would feel like to lose a breast to surgery and then wear a prosthesis; or we understand how we would feel after hearing But the truth is, unless one has walked the path, we have no idea how life changing breast cancer is.
You don’t hear much in the news about the emotions of breast cancer. Instead, you hear about the science, which is fine. But as a woman who walks the pink walk for my “sisters,” I want to hear the stories, the pain, and the triumph. I want to ask them, “How do you survive? How can the rest of us out here help you?”
I found a great blog at About.com that discusses the emotions women feel. I was amazed to discover that women fear breast cancer more than heart disease even though they are more likely to survive breast cancer. This fear must be inherent in our makeup, almost instinctive.
What can women take away from the information in this blog? A lot. But to sum it up:
1. Intense emotions are normal. You will go through anger, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and more. Your body will show the effects of your emotions through loss of sleep and even pain.
2. Acceptance of your condition is normal. Yes, it’s amazing to say this, but there will come a point when a woman accepts the diagnosis of her cancer with all its implications. Acceptance does not mean you are giving up. It just means you are now focused on the next phase–dealing with cancer.
3. Questions about cancer treatment and its impact on your life are normal. You will wonder if you will still be a woman without a breast, and if your significant other, or spouse will still find you attractive. What will your future be? If I get past this treatment, will the cancer recur?
4. Find an outlet for your emotions. Bottling up your emotions is the last thing you should ever do. Talk to your spouse, a friend, a minister, or a counselor. Emotional support is vital for your health and recovery.
Finally, you are not alone. There are other women out there who have survived, either in a support group or online. Seek them out and get their advice if you need it. At the very least, it may help you feel supported. Most of all, I hope what you take away from this, is that it’s ok to live after breast cancer.
