Breast cancer is the most common cancer of all women, regardless of race or ethnic background. In 2004, over 180,000 women were diagnosed with it, and over 40,000 women died from it. The numbers continue to rise. (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services / CDC) The emotional and mental effects of this disease can be just as devastating as the physical aspects. Breast cancer can strike to the core of your soul and paralyze your mind, if you let it.
Getting the "Bad News"
To be told "You have breast cancer" is a frightening thing. To the one receiving the diagnosis, it's not just physical, but profoundly emotional as well. Immediately, thoughts and fears race through the woman's head. Fear of the unknown, disbelief at the words coming out of the doctor's mouth, anger, confusion; and the big question, "Am I going to die"? So many questions and no answers. These are the words that women dread.
Being "Scared" is an Understatement
Once a woman has learned she has breast cancer, even before she knows the exact type, the feeling of fear can be overwhelming. She is about to embark on a journey and she doesn't know where it will take her, or what the outcomes will be. The fear of dying is also present even in the beginning.
What Did I Do to Deserve This?
Often times a feeling of responsibility can inch its way into your mind and cause you to feel as if somehow you did something for which you're now being punished. There are many reasons why this could have happened, and genetics is a big player. Many times, after being diagnosed, women will find out there is more of a family history of than was ever thought.
Mastectomy: I'm "Different" Now
One of the feelings you may first encounter can include the feeling of being abnormal or different, because of something growing deep inside your body. The term "cancer" of any type carries very bad connotations. This feeling can lead to severe depression and a feeling of isolation from the human race. Shame is a powerful emotion at this stage, after surgery--ashamed to be seen, of how your body looks or that somehow you are less of a person.
What Do I Do Now?
Diagnosis, biopsy, surgery and initial chemotherapy or radiation therapy--it isn't the end, rather, the beginning of the journey. The feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming. It is imperative to get in with a solid support group, in addition to family support, to weather the storm.
Tags: breast cancer, Breast cancer, over women, your body,