Colorado Breast Cancer Support Resources Directory

Ways to Manage Emotions Stemming from a Cancer Diagnosis

•   Focus on what you can and want to do.

•   Say “no” when appropriate. Learn to pace yourself.

•   Pamper yourself.

•   Exercise.

•   Take time for activities you enjoy.

•   Maintain a healthy diet.

•   Drink plenty of water.

•   Get plenty of rest.

•   Laugh at least once a day … if you can.

•   Learn to ask for what you need.

•   Use relaxation techniques: deep breathing, clearing your mind, progressive muscular relaxation, and visualization.

•   Express your emotions.

Ways to Communicate Your Feelings Related to the Diagnosis and the Future

•   Talk with family members and friends.

•   Be open and honest, especially with children.

•   Let them know what you need.

•   Let them know it is all right to ask questions.

•   Don’t go into great details unless you want to.

•   Thank people for asking about you; refusing to acknowledge their interest isolates you from people who care.

•   Talk with a therapist or spiritual advisor.

•   Join a cancer support group.

•   Keep a journal.

•   Use artistic expression, such as drawing, music, or painting.

Contributed by Earlene Dal Pozzo, MD, and Diane L. Akins, MA, LPC, CAC III. Earlene and Diane are both breast cancer survivors.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can put you on an emotional roller coaster.

That’s normal, of course! More than two million of us have heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” and our hearts have skipped a beat.

Common emotional side effects of a cancer diagnosis include: fear, anxiety, worry, anger, denial, depression, grief, and loss. We deal with the emotional side effects of our diagnosis just like we deal with all the other changes that breast cancer brings: the best we can.

Everyone does this differently. Most of the time it’s easier if you can share the emotional burden with family and friends, and they can be part of your adjustment and recovery team. While you may not feel it at first, another common emotional reaction is acceptance and hope.

Millions of us have gotten through treatment, and you will, too.