Getting Support After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis

For most people, there’s nothing quite as shocking as a cancer diagnosis. It suddenly and understandably raises a host of questions and emotions – none of which are easy to even consider much less process right away. A breast cancer diagnosis is just such a circumstance.

As alarming and scary and disheartening as it may be, learning you have breast cancer can also be the beginning of an incredible and unexpected journey of love and support. From your care team, family, and friends to people you’ve never even met, the cancer community has an amazing system of support that can make all the difference in the world. Here are some post-diagnosis suggestions and resources from that community, including some from the noted breast cancer experts at Susan G. Komen.

Be Informed

They say knowledge is power. And that’s certainly the case when it comes to breast cancer. Understanding the type of cancer you have, the treatment options available to you, the timing, the process, and the recovery can help a great deal. So be sure to research, review any recommended reading you receive, take advantage of the knowledge and resources available through your nurse navigator or social worker, and get all your questions answered by your doctor so you’re as informed and prepared as you can be.

Express Yourself

Few things are as stressful as the vulnerability of an illness. Accepting and expressing the inevitable emotions that arise and releasing that stress can be very therapeutic. Talk, cry, scream, exercise, or vent in any way that’s helpful, safe, and healthy. You’ll feel better and those closest to you will understand.

Get Social Support

Speaking of those closest to you, you’re likely going to need help from others as you go through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Your social support network might include:

• Family members
• Friends
• Spiritual advisors
• Co-workers and supervisors
• Health care providers
• Other cancer survivors

The emotional support, practical help, advice, and anything else you can get from important people in your life will be crucial. It may be as informal as a sympathetic ear of a close friend, or as formal as seeing a therapist, but feel loved, supported, understood, and cared for can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve your mood and self-image
• Improve your coping ability
• Reduce your perceived pain
• Give you a greater feeling of control

Social support can also be practical. It can include rides to and from treatments or help with household needs like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and childcare. It can also include support from your co-workers as you balance your job responsibilities with your treatment schedule. Whatever form it takes, don’t be afraid to ask for or accept help when you need it.

Join A Support Group

Another popular form of support in the breast cancer community is support groups. Support groups are collections of patients, family members, caregivers, experts, counselors, survivors, and others who serve as a resource, safe place, and sounding board for those diagnosed with breast cancer. They come in lots of different forms and sizes and have different goals, but they all exist to grow and diversify patients’ support networks.

• Types of support groups
  
  
  While some support groups are informational and educational, others focus more on emotional support. Both play an essential role in the preparation and recovery process. Some groups are informal and familiar. Some are led by professionals. Most meet monthly or weekly.
• Finding the right fit
  
  
  As beneficial as they can be, support groups aren’t for everyone. Not all of us are comfortable expressing our emotions to people outside their inner circle or like group settings. Not everyone is at the same stage either. That’s why it’s important to find a setting and a support network that’s right for you – whatever form that takes.
• New ways of meeting
  
  
  Thankfully, the current pandemic hasn’t stopped people from getting the support they need. Many support groups have moved online for the time being, offering participants the same opportunity to feel supported and empowered without putting themselves at greater health risk.
• Getting connected
  
  
  If you think a support group might be right for you, talk to your patient navigator or social worker to find one near you that offers the support you value and meets your unique needs.

Getting a breast cancer diagnosis is hard. Getting the support you need afterward shouldn’t be. Learn as much as you can, find ways to relieve your stress, rely on your existing support network, and build a bigger one through the amazing breast cancer community around you. Soon enough, thanks to the support you receive, the shoe will be on the other foot and you’ll be the one providing the support. As a survivor.