Breast cancer is more than a physical challenge. It’s a journey that affects your whole being. We understand that and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. At Endeavor Health, our compassionate, multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses both your physical and emotional well-being.
Rollercoaster of Emotions
A breast cancer diagnosis can be a rollercoaster of emotions. From the initial fear of a mammogram to the anxious wait for results, the emotional toll can be significant. For some the anxiety begins with the screening process. The intensity of the diagnosis can produce shock and intense feelings. Add to those feelings the initial evaluation with the surgeon and the care team, and a person can easily be overwhelmed. Know that you're not alone in facing these feelings. Our team is here to offer understanding, support and guidance throughout your journey.
Deeper Emotional Impact
A breast cancer diagnosis often involves more complex conversations than other types of cancer, leading to a deeper emotional impact. Discussions may include the possibility of a mastectomy, which can profoundly affect body image and views on sexuality. The genetic implications of breast cancer also bring up concerns about genetic testing for children and its potential impact on their future. These additional conversations can take a further toll on a person’s emotional well-being.
For these reasons, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can trigger a wide range of emotions, including:
- Shock and disbelief: I can't believe this is happening to me; it doesn't feel real.
- Feeling overwhelmed: There’s so much information and so many decisions to make, I don’t know where to start.
- Fear: I’m terrified of what the future holds and if I’ll survive this.
- Anxiety: Every doctor's appointment fills me with dread about what they might say next.
- Hope: I’m hopeful that with treatment, I can beat this and get my life back.
- Anger: Why is this happening to me? It’s not fair!
- Guilt: I feel guilty that my family has to go through this with me.
- Sadness: I’m heartbroken thinking about all the things I might miss out on.
- Depression: I can’t shake this feeling of hopelessness; everything feels so bleak.
- Loneliness: Even with people around, I feel so alone in this fight.
- Loss of control: I used to have my life planned and now everything feels out of my hands.
- Denial: This can’t be happening to me; there must be some mistake.
Coping Strategies
These emotions are normal and expected and an appropriate way to move through them is to experience them. The Endeavor Health care team creates a detailed care plan to address the cancer and support the patient holistically. The emotional aspect of the care plan involves psycho-social teams and screening tools to help individuals navigate their emotions and pays particular attention to a person who has emotions that are too extreme or too persistent.
Some ways in which the care team might offer to support your emotional well-being include:
- Formal or informal counseling
- Support groups
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Exercise
- Social support
The care team highly recommends that patients actively participate in social activities within their communities, through work, their neighborhood and faith groups. Maintaining involvement in these communities tends to have a positive impact on an individual's well-being and helps them better cope with their health situation.
At Endeavor Health, we're committed to providing patients with the highest quality breast cancer care, tailored to individual needs. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary team is here to provide support every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery, with a care plan that supports physical and emotional well-being. Visit us online or call 630-646-2273.
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