10 Ways to Overcome Fear After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Contents:

• Medical Video: The Caregiver's Perspective: Coping, Fear, Anxiety, and Resentment
  

Medical Video: The Caregiver's Perspective: Coping, Fear, Anxiety, and Resentment

Here are 10 ways to deal with fear after a diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy:

1. Get to know the doctors in your medical team and try to meet them directly. Think of a doctor that you have met as a trusted source. This is the person you have employed to help you deal with breast cancer. You will find who makes you most comfortable, who can answer your questions and can help you when you need them.
2. Look for a doctor who you think is most comfortable communicating with, a doctor who can answer questions and respond to your affairs seriously, and a doctor who provides minimal information so that you will feel more comfortable at that time.
3. Find out what you need to expect from the results of tests, procedures, and treatment. Ask your doctor and nurse about further details so that you can minimize the shock. Follow the online community and talk to people who have the same diagnosis and treatment as you.
4. Make a plan with your doctor about how to receive test results faster. If possible, try setting an important test at the beginning of the week so you don't have to wait for the weekend where lab performance slows down or doctors don't communicate with each other.
5. Try to find a mammography center where the radiologist can discuss the results of the test with you before you go home so you don't have to wait for a letter or call from your doctor.
6. When you are going to face a tough week (when you face a mammogram or are in the process of chemotherapy), don't schedule things that can increase your stress levels (such as important meetings in the office, holding dinner for 20 people, or organizing other important things). Use people around you to help you through this challenging time.
7. Protect yourself from negative stories. If some people mean well by telling stories about people who are fighting cancer, stop and say, "I only hear stories with happy ends!"
8. Watch your emotions. If you get to the point where negative emotions come to you and control you, talk to your doctor about medical roles that might help relieve anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Join the community or online discussion forum — a place where you can share breast cancer experiences with people who understand.
9. If you are an active person, look for a cancer-related sports community, an organization that has a breast cancer education program, or an activist group that collects funds for cancer research or free mammograms. Do whatever you feel can connect you with other people who contract breast cancer in a positive way.
10. Do things that make you feel your life is positive. Try to find valuable experiences that can enrich your life, accept yourself, and spend time with positive people who can strengthen yourself and help you determine the best choice regarding this disease.