Day: March 25, 2018

When you first receive a cancer diagnosis, there is so much that goes through your mind: Am I going to die, how long will I suffer, what about my family, who do I tell first, how I tell my family, etc. Everyone does not have the same feelings, and everyone does not handle it the same way, but these were my first thoughts. Would I live to see my son graduate high school, college? Will I see Christmas? My mind was so cluttered with negative thoughts. This was all while still on the phone with my doctor, who I am sure said more to me than I heard! When I came to, we began talking about possible treatments, not in detail, but enough to think about. We would meet in a week to discuss options and next steps. I was overwhelmed with too many thoughts, so I just put it in the back of my mind like old shoes in the back of the closet! What next…

What next? After school, I went to the internet…WRONG THING TO DO! If I wasn’t already overwhelmed enough, I surely pushed myself over the edge! I started with mortality rates, life span of cancer patients, everything negative. I moved to various treatments, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery. Then I researched the various types of breast cancer, treatment centers in Georgia and in other states, testimonies of women with cancer and those in remission, and so on and so forth. It was a battle beyond my brain’s capacity!  

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, here are some ways to increase your knowledge without increasing your stress:

1. Before you go to your doctor/oncologist for the first time, write a list of honest questions you would like answered. Don’t be afraid to ask anything you want. At this point, the doctor is there for you.

2. Ask for information about everything the doctor discusses with you. Brochures, literature about medications, treatments, etc.

3. Make sure you know how often and how long treatments will last. Make sure you continue to live and enjoy life as much as you can. Treatments will make you tired and sometimes sick. I scheduled my treatments on a Friday, so I would have time to rest and honestly, not miss so many days of work (I’m a teacher!). For me, the first two days after treatments were fine, however, the third day was a charm! The weekends kept me stress free!

4. Do not look at mortality rates, or other patients and their progress or demise. Everyone responds to treatment differently depending on age, prior health, family health history, and so many other factors.
5. If you must go to Google, try to stick with what your doctor has provided you with. For example, when you know your diagnosis, research that type of breast cancer and the treatment options. When you know the medicine you will have to take, research the side effects, etc.

6. Finally, relax! A breast cancer diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. Continue to live, love, laugh and do the best you can to be positive.
My Cancer Wisdom to You: Begin with the link below about breast cancer. There are a few tidbits to start you on your search for answers and information. But still remember…do not get overwhelmed! When in doubt, ask your doctor.

https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/breast_cancer.pdf