cancer diagnosis: surviving tough times by building resilience by katie pierce

Cancer can turn your whole world upside down. We know this because we’ve been there. What we also know is that — as cliché as it sounds — it’s not the end of the world. You’re stronger than you think, and with your resilience, you can bounce back from the life-changing news of your diagnosis. To help you thrive, we’ve put together a few tips to help you get through your diagnosis of breast cancer: 

allow yourself to feel 

Be angry, be sad, and be everything in between. Cancer can be frightening, so it’s perfectly fine to feel overwhelmed when you get the news of your diagnosis. You must allow yourself to feel your emotions, as intense as they may be, because it can help you process it all. Do what you have to do, whether it’s screaming into the void or punching a pillow. You don’t need to put on a smile and pretend you’re OK. 

Many patients think that exploring their emotions is a waste of time. But remember, you don’t have to dive into treatment mode or decide what you want to do right away.  For many people, it takes them days, weeks, or even longer to say, “This is what I’m dealing with and I’m going to have to live with it.” Giving yourself time to feel won’t delay your recovery.

know you’re not alone

While family makes a great support system, they won’t fully understand what you’re going through. For example, if you tell them you’re feeling weak, they won’t know how weak you really feel. No one but cancer patients will be able to relate.

That’s why the best people to ask for advice are the ones who’ve been there before. Connecting with other cancer patients through a support group can help you find strength and navigate your fear, pain, and confusion. Support group members can also give you tips on how to cope with your condition. 

Plus, it can be encouraging to hear how other cancer patients are continuing to live normal lives. It shows you that you can do the same and that your cancer doesn’t have to control you. You can even meet with them so you don’t feel so isolated.

don’t overwhelm yourself with information

When your doctor bombards you with information about your condition, it can be a lot to take in. From medical terms you’ve never heard of to statistics that scare the life out of you, it can be very overwhelming, to say the least.  This is also called Cancer Information Overload (CIO). 

Finding out you have cancer is scary as it is, so don’t make it even scarier by sorting vast amounts of information all at once. It can help to take breaks in between appointments and to have a caregiver help you manage your medical records. Be careful of what you read on the Internet as there’s a lot of inaccurate information there. 

let people help you

When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be hard to complete day-to-day tasks that you used to have no trouble doing. For example, if you’re dealing with low energy and pain, you might struggle to drive yourself to the drugstore. With that said, you need to let people lend a helping hand. Don’t be worried about being a burden to others — you’ll find that your loved ones will want to aid you in whatever way they can.  

Keep in mind that people’s time will be limited as they have busy lives, too. Try to consider what they can handle and what tasks they will be best suited to them. For example, if your friend’s children go to school with yours, you can ask them to pick up your kids from school. 

do the things you love to do

Having cancer doesn’t mean you can’t continue to pursue your passions and do the things that give you joy. Your condition is a part of you, but it doesn’t define who you are as a person.

Find time for the things that can lift your mood, such as playing the piano, playing a video game, or going on a run. It’s important to let yourself feel like your usual self in such stressful times. If your condition prevents you from performing the activities you used to enjoy, don’t worry — you can always explore new experiences. 

remember to rest

Chemotherapy can cause pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue, among other side effects. Your body won’t be in its best state, so you’ll need to step up your self-care routine. One of the best things you can do for your body is to get a good night’s rest. If you’re struggling to go to sleep due to stress, try to establish a bedtime routine. Doing the same thing before bed tells your brain that it’s time to wind down for the day. 

Don’t forget to live an active lifestyle. Even if you can no longer do the things you used to do, you can (and should) focus on fitness. Stick to slow, simple, and low-impact workouts such as brisk walking and swimming. You shouldn’t attempt to push yourself, especially if you’re in treatment.

you’re strong enough to face this

We won’t lie and say cancer is easy. We’d even go as far as to say it’s going to be the toughest thing you’ll have to deal with. But with your strength, you can get through the challenges it brings and not let it get the best of you. In time, you’ll be able to move on and live your life to the fullest. You’ve got this.