Where to Look for Support When You Discover You Have Breast Cancer

Individuals and families are devastated when a diagnosis of breast cancer is handed down.  Breast cancer is no longer considered a death sentence; it is still a blow to the patient.  For family and friends who love them, it’s also an emotional time.  It is hard to talk about, sometimes the person who has been diagnosed feels lost and alone.  You may have confusing feelings, fear, and anxiety, worry for the future.

You may worry about how you will handle your day-to-day responsibilities, if you will be able to keep your job, or how you will take care of your children.  There are many worries that will keep you sleepless.  Medical bills are another huge concern.  What if you have side effects from your treatment? 

Your first resource should be your health care provider.  They can help you find other social service agencies that can help you with childcare, finances, transportation, and home care.  Your doctor can refer you to an agency that will provide a social worker to help you with the decisions and problems you are facing.  Often, emotional support is one of the first things you will look for. 

Friends, immediate family, and relatives are also a source of support.  It also may help to discuss your cancer with others who have gone through the same emotional roller coaster of breast cancer.  Support groups can be found who share what they have learned about their cancer treatment and the side effects that go with them.  This support group may meet once a week, or once a month, but they will help you by sharing about their experiences.  It is important to remember, health care advice should come from your primary care professional and if any other advice is given, it should be checked out by your doctor.  Remember, women are different; the support that works for one woman may not work for another. 

You will find several programs in your local area that will help you with information and emotional support.  They may assign you a breast cancer survivor to help you through your treatment, recovery and any reconstruction surgery you may have.  It is helpful to talk to a survivor who has already “been there, done that.”

Couples may experience anxiety about how breast cancer will affect their relationship.  A woman may have fears about how they will look after surgery, how people will react to them, and will their spouse or significant other still think they are attractive.  The breasts of a woman are considered part of their sexual appeal.  They may fear that breast cancer will make them less sensual.  Couples may find support groups in their area that will deal directly with their concerns.  A doctor may also recommend a private therapist or counselor to help them with the many concerns and fears they have.

You can gain support at 1-800-4-cancer and support is available at http://www.cancer.gov.  Many fact sheets are available from the National Cancer Institute.  You will find other sites that will give you the latest information on breast cancer and breast cancer research.