Despite the ongoing progress in breast cancer treatments, conquering the disease remains a challenging battle. Dr. Bora Lim, an associate professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, compares the experience to a war with similar emotional trauma and stress. Women, who make up the majority of breast cancer cases, often juggle multiple roles in their lives, adding to the anxiety caused by the diagnosis.
Dr. Erica Mayer, a medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of self-care during treatment to minimize its impact on daily life. Prioritizing self-care is essential for a successful treatment and recovery journey, with Dr. Mayer and Dr. Lim offering three key tips:
1. Seek help and organize support at home and work: Delegate responsibilities to family and friends, create schedules for appointments and tasks, and communicate with your employer about your needs.
2. Be kind to yourself: Each person’s treatment experience is unique, so be patient and understanding with yourself as you navigate the challenges.
3. Advocate for yourself: Maintain a strong relationship with your treatment team, communicate openly about your needs and concerns, and seek help when necessary.
Real Women Share Stories of Resilience:
Susan Anderson, a cancer survivor from California, emphasizes the power of positive thinking in her journey with breast cancer. After facing the loss of her husband to brain cancer, Susan’s own battle with breast cancer taught her the importance of self-care and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the treatment process.
In January, Kelly O’Connor discovered a lump in her right breast. Just two months later, in February, she underwent surgery. “It was a quick decision on my part, and I pushed my medical team to move fast. I didn’t want to deal with another bad mammogram, go through reconstruction, or wear prosthetics. I had good self-esteem and joked that my other breast would be fine with it,” Anderson shared with a laugh. She was thankful for the strong community that supported her and the power of their prayers. “Many women at my church had faced breast cancer and shared self-care tips with me. I practiced yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. But I decided to confront the situation head-on and asked to be included in the prayer list.”
“It’s crucial to have a supportive team, trust your doctors, and accept help graciously. However, I believe it’s important to surrender to a higher power – whether it’s Buddha, God, or another entity – and let go,” she emphasized. Dr. Bora Lim, an oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, highlighted the benefits of having faith during challenging treatments, as it can offer support and spiritual hope. Dr. Lim’s patients are involved in a study exploring the use of psychotherapy aided by psilocybin to address depression and anxiety in individuals with advanced cancer. This groundbreaking trial includes breast cancer patients.
Dr. Lim emphasized the importance of shifting from anxious to positive thinking for better outcomes. Breast cancer survivor Kelly O’Connor, who resides in San Diego, emphasized the power of positive thinking, creating affirmations, and delving into spirituality. She transformed her self-care routine by envisioning positive outcomes during her treatments.
O’Connor founded What Next Wellness, a coaching and mentoring company, to assist others on their patient journey. She believes that having faith in something greater can provide the gifts of self-love, strength, and courage during challenging times.
