5 Key Steps to Surviving a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
5 Key Steps to Surviving a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
I've been through the emotional ups and downs of a breast cancer diagnosis. But I found out that with the right attitude and actions, you can not only survive but also grow stronger. So, what are the key steps that can really help?
Key Takeaways
Understand the medical details of your diagnosis to make informed decisions
Build a strong support network to lean on during the journey
Explore both traditional and alternative treatment options
Prioritize your emotional well-being to maintain a positive mindset
Take control of your recovery by actively participating in your care
Understanding Your Initial Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It brings a mix of strong emotions and a lot of medical terms. But, it's key to understand your diagnosis to make good choices about your care. Let's look at how to get through this first step with clarity and confidence.
Making Sense of Medical Terms and Reports
Your healthcare team will give you lots of information, like medical reports and test results. It's okay to ask for help with any terms or findings you don't get. You might hear about:
Biopsy: A procedure to remove a small tissue sample for analysis.
Tumor grade: A measure of how fast the cancer cells are growing.
Hormone receptor status: Indicates whether the cancer cells are fueled by hormones like estrogen or progesterone.
I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, stage 2B, HER + and PR +. OK now what, where do I start? There's ALOT of information. There is also a fine line between researching your diagnosis and going down a terrible rabbit hole on the internet. So keep checking in with yourself, if you are feeling depressed or overwhelmed, take a break and try to remind yourself there is help out there.
I also found that seeking out breast cancer support groups helped me more than just using google for medical terms. Reading forums where actual breast cancer patients talking about their challenges helped me more than anything else. I could ask questions and read how everyone handled things. It also helped me to see that there are MANY of us going through exactly the same troubles. Here is some of the information I have learned.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
Writing down questions can help you get the most from talking to your healthcare providers. Think about asking about:
The stage and type of your breast cancer.
The recommended treatment plan and why it's suggested.
The possible side effects of treatment and how to handle them.
The expected timeline for your treatment and recovery.
Getting a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion from another oncologist can offer new insights. It's a good idea if you're unsure about your diagnosis or treatment plan. Remember, your health is the most important thing. Don't be afraid to ask for the care you need.
Dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis can be tough. But, with the right info and support, you can manage your journey. Remember, you're not alone. There are many resources to help you with the emotional and practical challenges ahead.
Building Your Support Network for the Journey Ahead
When you get a breast cancer diagnosis, a strong support network is key. Having people who care and understand can offer emotional support for breast cancer. They help you cope with breast cancer better.
First, think about who can support you well. This might be family, close friends, or colleagues who've been through similar things. Let them know how they can help, like going to doctor's appointments or just listening. I was hesitant at first to open up and tell my friends that I had cancer. I didn't want the focus to be on me. I wanted to just get through it and didn't want to unload my burden on them. Well, that isn't really practical with people that know you. So open up, tell people how you are coping, what is challenging, what is going well.
Look for local or online breast cancer support groups. They offer emotional support and advice from others who get it. I'm a bit of an introvert, so going to a public support group was overwhelming. So I found forums online and found so much help and support.
Think about seeing a therapist or counselor who knows about cancer. They can help you deal with your feelings and find ways to cope.
Always ask for help when you need it. Say yes to offers of help, like cooking meals or running errands. Just having someone to listen can be a big help. I also even made the decision to hire a housekeeper while I was on chemo to clean my house every two weeks. It wasn't something I had a budget, but I felt like I just didn't have the stamina to keep up with it all.
Building a strong support network is an ongoing thing. As your needs change, so should your support system. Having caring people around you helps you face challenges with strength and hope.
Emotional Support
Listening ear
Encouraging words
Empathy and understanding
Practical Support
Accompanying to appointments
Helping with daily tasks
Preparing meals
Community Support
Breast cancer support groups
Online forums
Peer-to-peer mentoring
Professional Support
Therapists and counselors
Social workers
Patient navigators
"Having a strong support system has been crucial in my breast cancer journey. I couldn't have gotten through this without the love and care of my family and friends."
Personal Breast Cancer Experience: Navigating Treatment Options
I've been through the tough journey of breast cancer treatment. It's been a mix of challenges and learning moments. I've tried both traditional and alternative healing methods. Here, I'll share my insights to help others on this path.
Traditional vs Alternative Treatments
There's no single way to treat breast cancer. Everyone's needs and wishes are different. Traditional treatments like chemo, radiation, and surgery are common. Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. They may have very good reasons to not do certain things. My doctor didn't want me to take any additional vitamins or supplements.
I decided to trust my oncology doctor and didn't dive into supplements. I didn't want anything to interfere with my chemotherapy.
I did try to get more rest, eat nutritious food, cut out a lot of sugar and junk foods, I also kept up with taking the medicines I was prescribed on this breast cancer treatment journey.
Creating Your Treatment Timeline
Creating a treatment plan can feel overwhelming. But, it's key to surviving breast cancer. It means planning appointments, tests, and care logistics. I worked closely with my team to make sure my plan fit my needs.
I kept notes after each doctor appointment. I kept a calendar for all my appointments. I got a 3 ring binder and hole punch and every report I was given, I organized into a binder. It helped keep all the details in one place and I could quickly find my blood work report should another doctor ask me a question. Since I couldn't really control the disease, I could control how I kept up with the details. It gave me comfort.
How I got Diagnosed
It was the beginning of 2017 and I decided that I would get caught up on all the doctor appointments I had been putting off. The mammogram was top of my list. So I scheduled a mammo for January and got started taking care of ME. Whelp, they noticed "something." They referred me to a breast cancer surgeon and I had an ultrasound. That appointment was my first exposure to maybe having cancer.
Next I was scheduled for a biopsy. Those results confirmed that I did indeed have breast cancer. That was valentine's day in February.
From that point, all I wanted to do was get it out of me. But it still takes about a month to get through the testing and all that is needed before treatment can begin.
Now I had to have blood work, another biopsy with an MRI, a PET/CT scan with a radioactive injection, more waiting for results. Then surgery to get a port installed in my chest to make chemotherapy easier to inject. Then finally two months after my diagnosis I was finally ready for treatment and had my first chemo at the end of March 2017.
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Dealing with treatment side effects is tough. I've faced fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and skin changes. But, I've found ways to ease these issues and keep my life quality high.
Drinking plenty of water and eating well helped with digestion problems.
Gentle exercise and mindfulness helped me feel in control and less stressed. I practiced LOTS of knitting.
Support from loved ones and my healthcare team was crucial for me.
Everyone's journey is different. What works for me might not work for you. Stay open, speak up for what you need, and explore different options to find what's best for you.
"The journey of breast cancer treatment is not an easy one, but with the right mindset, support, and a willingness to explore various options, it is possible to navigate it with resilience and grace."
Taking Control of Your Emotional Well-being
Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can feel like a wild ride. You might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even sad. But, it's key to take charge of your mental health during this tough time. Here are some ways to help you manage your emotions and find the support you need.
Embrace Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Try mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These can help you deal with stress and anxiety. They can also bring you peace and help you handle treatment better.
Seek Professional Counseling
Don't be shy about talking to a mental health expert, like a therapist or counselor. They can teach you ways to cope with the emotional side of breast cancer. They can also help you find healthy ways to deal with your feelings.
Build a Strong Support Network
Surround yourself with family, friends, and support groups who get it. Talking about your feelings with people who understand can really help. It can make you feel stronger and more empowered.
Remember, taking care of your emotional health is as important as your physical health during breast cancer. By focusing on self-care and getting the support you need, you can come out of this journey stronger and more resilient.
Conclusion
Surviving a breast cancer diagnosis is tough, but it's a fight you can win. Understanding medical terms and building a support network are key. Taking care of your emotional health is also crucial.
My own battle with breast cancer showed me that everyone's journey is different. What works for one person might not work for another. By staying informed and advocating for yourself, you can face this challenge with strength and grace.
You're not alone in this fight. Many have beaten breast cancer before you. Their stories of survival and victory can guide you. With the right support and care, your chances of beating breast cancer are better than ever. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
FAQ
What were the key steps that helped you navigate your breast cancer journey?
To survive my breast cancer, I followed five key steps. First, I understood my diagnosis well. Then, I built a strong support network. Next, I explored my treatment options. I also focused on my emotional well-being and kept a positive mindset.
How did you cope with the initial emotions after being diagnosed with breast cancer?
Getting a breast cancer diagnosis was tough. It brought many emotions. I let myself feel these feelings, like fear and grief.
Talking to my healthcare team and joining a support group helped. So did leaning on my loved ones. These steps helped me plan for the future.
What were some of the key questions you asked your healthcare team?
When I met my oncologist, I had many questions. I wanted to understand my diagnosis and treatment options. I asked about the stage of my cancer, treatment plans, and side effects.
I also asked how it would affect my daily life. Understanding the medical terms was key to making informed decisions.
I created a cancer tracking book you can order from Amazon. It helped me keep track of my daily symptoms so that when I met with doctors, I could easily discuss how I was feeling.
How did you build your support network during this time?
Building a strong support network was crucial. I reached out to friends and family, asking for their support. They helped with appointments, household tasks, and just being there to listen.
I also joined a local breast cancer support group. It connected me with others who understood my journey, offering a sense of community.
How did you manage the side effects of your breast cancer treatments?
Managing treatment side effects was tough. But being proactive and talking to my healthcare team helped. I tracked any side effects and worked with my doctors to manage them.
Staying hydrated, resting, and practicing self-care were also key. These steps helped me recover.
I stayed up-to-date with taking my nausea meds. Even if I was feeling a little better for a few hours, I still took my meds. Keeping up with the pain and nausea is key.
I also slept as often as I could throughout the day. While sleeping I didn't feel sick. I just wanted to make it through each hour and each day and get it behind me.
Chemo for me lasted 5 months.
What role did your mental and emotional well-being play in your breast cancer journey?
My emotional well-being was just as important as my physical health. I prioritized self-care, like meditation, journaling and knitting. I was livestreaming every day on Twitch tv and could talk and share about my experience with many women from all over the world. Their support kept me going.
Allow yourself to grieve, to be sad, to be mad, to feel depressed. It's so normal. It's ok to feel all those things, Just decide that once you go through a day or an afternoon of feeling awful, you'll take a nap and feel better for a while. It's not all happy fun times, but I kept telling myself, I can get through this.
In future articles we will discuss the actual treatments and surgeries and how to survive and thrive through that.
