If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed right about now. You’ve been given all kinds of tests, information and treatment options.
But don’t let what you’ve learned bog you down. There is hope and you do have options. Here are some things to consider that will help you cope with breast cancer.
One of the most important factors in dealing with breast cancer, or any disease, is education. When you first get your diagnosis, you’ll likely get caught up in all the statistics and treatment options you doctor will present you with.
If you take the time to read the literature provided and do research on your own, you’ll be better able to make decisions and feel more confident and in control of your fate.
It is also important to remember that the sooner you’re treated, the better your chances of recovery. So make sure you’re not researching so much that you delay treatment. You need to strike a balance.
While following your doctor’s treatment orders are vitally important, there are other options you can try on your own, like dietary changes and alternative therapies.
Along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, there are many supplements that are said to help with breast cancer. Just remember to fully research the type and brand of any supplement to ensure the quality and effectiveness of ingredients before you take them. They are not regulated by the FDA and there is little evidence to support their claims, so buyer beware.
Other alternative treatments include yoga, relaxation therapy, and other alternative options like reiki, acpuncture, and tai chi. While it is still debatable whether these treatments actually help fight cancer, they can definitely decrease the physical symptoms and reduce stress and emotional symptoms.
This will leave you feeling better and will make your body better able to fight the cancer. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you are taking control and doing something to help your body fight back.
As with any serious illness, having strong social and emotional support can drastically increase your chances of a full recovery. It is important to focus on your family, friends, activities, and other things you have to live for rather than the bad things that can happen to you.
These people will also be there to help support you through your treatment and recovery and help you through the hard times. Online and community forums and groups can be great sources of information and ideas on how to cope.
It is a good idea to not only surround yourself with family and friends, but also to find people like you who are going through the same thing as you.
Ask your doctor about cancer support groups in your area. These people will not only be a friend and shoulder to lean on, they can also provide insight that your friends and family can’t, because they’ve been through, or are going through, the same thing you are.
Plus, these groups are often led by a trained professional who knows how to help as well.
Through it all, one of the most important things to remember is to keep a positive attitude. While breast cancer is a serious disease, there are millions of women out there who have beaten it, and so can you, if you get the best information and work with your doctor to make the best choices for you
