Tips for Coping with the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

It can be difficult for any woman to deal with the diagnosis of breast cancer. To help understand what type of impact breast cancer can have on a woman's overall life and for tips on coping with the diagnosis of breast cancer, I have interviewed psychotherapist Elaine St. Marie.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am an LPC ( Licensed Professional Counselor ) and I work with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, end of life, and living with cancer. I volunteer each year for Casting for Recovery as their psychosocial facilitator. Casting for Recovery is a world wide weekend retreat for women with breast cancer . I volunteer at the Boerne TX site each April."

What type of impact can breast cancer have on a woman's overall life.
"It impacts EVERY SINGLE area of their life. Even if they fully recover, they are never the same. Relationships with significant others are often compromised. For the lucky ones who have a supportive partner, they still may struggle with issues of intimacy'"feeling that the cancer has made them less than whole. Other areas greatly impacted include work, finances, friendships, self-esteem and more. Fear becomes the uninvited guest in their lives'"fear of recurrence, fear of death , fear of leaving loved ones behind. It is a devastating diagnosis but many women come out of the battle scarred but stronger; aware of their own resiliency and hopefully with a renewed enjoyment and appreciation for life."

What are some tips for coping with the diagnosis of a breast cancer?
"Get support! It's is so important to find a group of women to talk to and share your fears with. Women who are a bit further down the road in their recovery can be a beacon of hope. Being able to reach out and talk to someone who has had the Breast Cancer experience can be a true lifesaver. There are Breast Cancer support centers in almost all metropolitan areas. In small towns, women may need to form their own group but there are countless resources on the web. My advice is not to go through this alone and not to expect your family to be your only support. Find a group, counselor and/or a supportive doctor.

Also, allow people to help you. Often times, friends really want to help but don't know what to do. It's hard for many women who are used to being the caretakers to allow others to take care of them. I encourage women to think of it as a gift'"allowing someone else to care for them is a real gift to a friend or family member who wants to help.

Take charge of your body. Ask questions. If you don't feel good about what a doctor is telling you, get a second opinion . Be a crusader for yourself.

And lastly, find a way to be grateful for your life and your experiences'"it will help to keep you from falling into the pit of fear and waiting for death. Live out loud every day you are alive."

What type of professional help is available for a woman that is having a difficult time coping with the diagnosis of a breast cancer?
"As I mentioned, there are numerous support groups '"most in person and probably some online groups as well. The National Cancer Institute provides accurate, up to date information for patients and their families. They can be found online at http://www.cancer.gov .

Many counselors, including myself, have experience in working with cancer and other serious illnesses."

Thank you Elaine for doing the interview on tips for coping with the diagnosis of breast cancer. For more information on Elaine St. Marie or her work you can check out her website at www.hiketointegrity.com or www.expressiveflair.com .

Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/231590/cancer_and_sleep_problems.html?cat=5">Cancer & Sleep Problems

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/192394/living_a_happy_life_with_cancer.html?cat=72">Living a Happy Life with Cancer

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/298834/teaching_children_about_cancer_of_the.html?cat=25">Teaching Children About Cancer of the Mouth