Coping with Breast Cancer While Raising a Family
After a breast cancer diagnosis, fluctuating emotions often confront survivors and their loved ones: shock, anger, sadness, denial and hope, to name just a few. This emotional rollercoaster is often accompanied by uncertainty about the illness, bewilderment concerning treatment and anxiety about the future. Regardless of their ages, most women and men agree that a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event.
To alleviate the personal and family stressors that accompany a cancer diagnosis, consider the following recommendations from the National Cancer Institute:
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As much as you are able, keep up with your normal routine, but do engage family, friends and/orcommunity volunteers to assist you with household chores, babysitting and attending your children’s events.
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Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and will give you the respite both you and your family need.
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Be honest and tell your children that you are sick and the doctors are working to make you better. Use words they can understand, and let other adults in your children’s lives, such as teachers, neighbors, coaches, etc., know about your cancer. Know that your children may act out, and encourage them to talk about their fears and feelings with people they trust and feel close to.
If your family is having trouble talking about feelings, think about getting some assistance from a counselor who can help family members talk about what cancer means to them.
This article was excerpted from Lifeline.