Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be a terrifying and horrific experience. No one ever wants to be told that they have cancer. Unfortunately, this happens too often, and people must educate themselves about what to expect during the long and difficult process.
If you have been told that you have breast cancer, there are some things you can do to help improve your situation. Here are the top seven things you can do once you are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Table of Contents
#1) Talk To Your Doctor Regarding Treatment Options
One of the most difficult things a person can be told in their life is that they have breast cancer. If you are given this news, you will likely be unable to think or talk. While it will be a long and difficult process, the better informed you are early, the better off you will be. Even if you cannot think of questions at the moment, you should talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options. Don’t feel rushed to make a choice that day. Instead, schedule another appointment with your doctor to talk more in-depth about your options when you are in a calmer and more relaxed state.
#2) Get The Cancer Treatment
Once you and your doctor have agreed on the correct course of breast cancer treatment for your breast cancer, you should get cancer treatment. The earlier you get the treatment, the better your odds are of recovering. There are many types of treatment to consider, including radiation, hormone therapy, targeted therapy drugs, surgery, and more. If you’re not sure regarding which option is right for you, it is always best to talk with your doctor.
#3) Keep A Daily Journal
Another great thing to do after you have been diagnosed with breast cancer is to keep a daily journal. Keeping a journal will give you an outlet to release all of the stress and pressure that you have. It will give you some creative freedom that you can pass on to family or friends later in life when they may be going through the same thing as you.
#4) Try To Stay Positive
Another important thing to do once you are diagnosed with breast cancer is to stay positive. It is crucial that you stay optimistic & think of the better things in life. Pouting over cancer will only upset you more and prevent you from taking the healthy steps you need to in order to recover.
#5) Attend a Support Group
Another important thing you should always try out is to attend a support group. Support groups may not be for everyone; however, they are a very helpful thing to try. You can ask family, friends, and your doctor for recommendations about where to go.
#6) Talk With Friends and Family
It is important for you to keep your family and friends informed of your decision and your progress. While you may not want to bother anyone with the news, it is crucial to let them in. If your family and friends are aware of what you are going through and how you are feeling, they will be better able to support and care for you.
#7) Do Something That You Enjoy
Another essential thing that you need to do is to get out of the house and do something that you enjoy. You should take the time to celebrate life. Doing something that you enjoy can give you a new perspective on the world and help you stay positive. It can be as plain as going for a walk every day to driving to the beach to watch the waves.
