Providing free online community support to people affected by breast cancer

Forums » Information for Members: Newly diagnosed, Latest Info & Tips

• Glenys

  

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  June 27, 2012 2:33:05 PM WATime

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  COPING WITH DIAGNOSIS

   

  Coping with a breast cancer diagnosis is challenging, often confronting and at times difficult.

  At many points along the way, the road may get a bit rough …

   

  How to cope??

  Feeling overwhelmed and confused is very common after being told you have breast cancer. Common thoughts and questions that may whirl around in your mind are “why has this happened?” .. “why me?” .. or possibly “I don’t have time for this!”

   

  We all do react in our own way. For some the diagnosis is a terrible shock, for others just another ‘hiccup’ along the way.  Possibly for you this will be a very emotional time – bombarded with feelings of fear, anxiety, confusion & turmoil. Or perhaps for you the practical side will take over – looking to ‘get on with things’ by getting appointments arranged, and the household & workplace organised. For many people it’s a varying combination of both of these responses.

   

  Whatever your ‘coping style’ is, gaining accurate information and helpful support are often the key aspects to attaining the very best outcome for you.

   

  Knowing you are not alone, women do get through this, you can contact others going through similar experiences, you can access accurate information, you can speak with a breast cancer specialist nurse – the purpose of this site is to provide ALL of this. 

   

   

  Tips for dealing with the first few weeks ..

  The first few weeks can be overwhelming and confusing! Some suggestions that may help:

   

  • #  Most importantly .. take one step at a time. Just focus on getting through the next step. Many people jump way ahead – thinking and worrying about the future and often visualising unpleasant outcomes! Many of these imaginings will never be realised.

   

  • #  Be informed & get the information you need to help with understanding choices and decision-making. However be wary of ‘over-reading’ and researching, especially on the internet! Searching the net may uncover irrelevant, confusing and often very misleading information. There are reputable sites with reliable, useful information (see links provided below).

   

  • #  ASK QUESTIONS. If you don’t understand, ask again! No question is ‘too silly’ – EVER!

  NB: Your Breast Care Nurse & the Cancer Council are excellent sources of support and information. In WA the Breast Cancer Care WA nurses are available at no cost.

  **Also  -  you can ask anything here at the Click! (in ‘Forum – Q&A’, clickchats or send a private message to Glenys, the Click Breast Care Nurse).

   

  • #  Think about what you may need to get you through this time. If financial or practical concerns, discuss with a Breast Nurse, Social Worker (usually available at your treating hospital), Cancer Council, or your GP. In WA, Breast Cancer Care WA may be able to provide assistance.

   

  • #  Consider having someone go with you to appointments. Having extra ‘ears’ often helps to avoid confusion & misunderstandings. Many partners/family/friends also say they feel more ‘involved’ when they attend appointments.

   

  • #  Be kind to yourself. Find ways to relax and ‘take time-out’ from things (e.g. have a massage, walk on the beach, soak in a bubble-bath).

   

  • #  Give yourself permission to feel sad, upset, angry – whatever you feel!  These are understandable & common reactions, but if these feelings are overwhelming, SEEK HELP. Talk to someone (friend/partner/Breast Nurse/Counsellor/GP ..).

  Counselling and support services are available at little to no cost. In WA, *Breast Cancer Care WA has specialist nurses and counsellors, *Breast Cancer Clinical Psychology Service (WA) has specialized Clinical Psychologists, and *Cancer Council (Australia-wide) can provide a range of support services or advise where support is available in your area. (*see contact details below).

   

   

  Useful Information and contacts ..

   

  A booklet titled ‘Guide for women with early breast cancer’ developed by Cancer Australia - National Breast & Ovarian Cancer Centre is available to download or order. This booklet aims to provide comprehensive information on diagnosis and treatments. See link:

  Document Details | EBC - Guide for women with early breast cancer - Cancer Australia

   

  ‘My Journey Kit’ is a package containing this booklet and other useful information you can order:

  My Journey Kit | Breast Cancer Network Australia

   

  For secondary breast cancer, information is available at:

  Secondary breast cancer | About breast cancer

   

  ‘Hopes & Hurdles’ is a package available for secondary breast cancer you can order:

  Hope & Hurdles pack | Breast Cancer Network Australia

   

   

  *USEFUL CONTACTS/SITES:

   

  Breast Cancer Care WA  

  Ph: (08) 9324 3703

  Breast Cancer Care WA

   

  Breast Cancer Clinical Psychology Service (WA)   

  A free counselling service for adults affected by breast cancer and their families in WA.
  Ph:  (08) 9224 1629

   

  Cancer Council Helpline (Australia-wide)   

  Ph: 13 11 20 
  Information and support for you and your family for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.

   

  Cancer Council Australia website 
  (with links to state and territory Cancer Councils).
  www.cancer.org.au  

   

  National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre
  www.nbocc.org.au

   

  Breast Cancer Network Australia 
  Ph: 1800 500 258
  www.bcna.org.au

   

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• Glenys

  

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  June 27, 2012 2:57:20 PM WATime

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  In addition to all of the above information, this site offers the opportunity to contact others going through similar experiences.
  By adding a 'signature', you can provide a brief summary of your circumstances. 'Introducing yourself' in Forum, or adding comments or starting a new topic will allow you to share your thoughts and experiences. Starting a blog is often very therapeutic to 'get it down in writing', and has proven to be effective in easing stress and dealing with the steps along the way. You can also send 'friend requests' to others, chat online with them when they are online, and join in our regular 'Clickchat' sessions when you feel ready for some lively discussion!
  Please send me a private message if there is anything you'd like to ask or need help with.
  Love Glenys
  

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• Glenys

  

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  • 162 posts
  October 27, 2012 12:32:43 PM WATime

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  A booklet titled 'Coping with Cancer' provides helpful and supportive advice and information. A copy may be obtained from the Cancer Council (ph: 13 11 20), or view at:
  http://www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/2011-03-22-Coping-with-Cancer.pdf
  

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• maria486

  

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  April 6, 2013 4:29:29 AM WATime

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  Great tips. My grandmother had a breast cancer and she has lived another 10 year after her surgery. I think her secret was is to stay positive no matter what.

  Family affected by breast cancer & other cancers - PeoplePledge team member: Help your loved ones get quality medical care by raising funds in 30 days with crowdfunding

  www.peoplepledge.com.au

• misstee10

  

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  June 9, 2013 4:58:33 PM WATime

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  I just want to say how much admire the women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, I am a big supporter and I must say woman facing breast cancer are the most bravest ladies alive . all my love to you all . and may our heavenly father be with you all through your journey . My aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer and cervical cancer survived through it all and now continues to live a happy healthy life , She always told me "Cancer doesn't mean death , it means a new beautiful beginning" . :-)

  NUMBER 1 Breast cancer supporter ...:-)

• Glenys

  

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  September 18, 2013 1:07:59 PM WATime

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  I agree with the 'stay positive' Maria, and having a wicked sense of humour helps too - even when it may seem there is not much to laugh about. Laughter and a positive approach are the best medicine!
  Your aunt's motto is a very positive one misstee - and wonderful to hear she has done so well. Fantastic!
  Warm hugs. xx

  The Click Breast Care Nurse