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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffA diagnosis of breast cancer may be one of the most difficult situations you'll ever face. It can set off a roller coaster of emotions, from shock and fear to anger, anxiety or depression. There's no "right" way to feel and act when you're dealing with cancer. With time you'll find your own way of coping with your feelings. Until then, you may find comfort if you:
- Learn enough about your cancer to make treatment decisions. Ask your doctor for details about your cancer — the type, stage and treatment options. The more you know, the more comfortable you may feel when making treatment decisions. Ask your doctor to recommend good sources of information where you can learn more. Good places to start include the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
- Seek support from family and friends. Your close friends and family provide a support system that can help you cope during treatment. They can help you with the small tasks around the house you may not have the energy for during treatment. And they can be there to listen when you need someone to talk with.
- Connect with other cancer survivors. Other cancer survivors can offer unique support and insight because they understand what you're experiencing. Connect with other cancer survivors through support groups in your community. Ask your doctor about support groups or contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Online support groups are also available at sites such as BreastCancer.org.
- Take care of yourself. During your treatment, allow yourself time to rest. Take good care of your body by getting enough sleep so you wake feeling rested, choosing a diet full of fruits and vegetables, staying as physically active as you're able and taking time to relax. Try to maintain at least some of your daily routine, including social activities.
References
- Hanby AM, et al. In situ and invasive lobular neoplasia of the breast. Histopathology. 2008;52:58.
- Katz A, et al. Primary systemic chemotherapy of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. Lancet Oncology. 2007;8:55.
- Abeloff MD, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:1875.
- Breast cancer. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/breast.pdf. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
- Biglia N, et al. Increased incidence of lobular breast cancer in women treated with hormone replacement therapy: Implications for diagnosis, surgical and medical treatment. Endocrine-Related Cancer. 2007;14:549.
- Pestalozzi BC. Portrait of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. European Journal of Cancer. 2009;45(suppl):450.
- Eheman CR, et al. The changing incidence of in situ and invasive ductal and lobular breast carcinomas: United States, 1999-2004. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2009;18:1763.
- Mann RM, et al. MRI compared to conventional diagnostic work-up in the detection and evaluation of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast: A review of the existing literature. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2008;107:1.
- Schrader KA, et al. Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer: Association with lobular breast cancer. Familial Cancer. 2008;7:73.
- Breast cancer treatment (PDQ): Health professional version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/breast/healthprofessional/allpages/print. Accessed Feb. 16, 2010.
- Breast cancer prevention (PDQ): Health professional version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/breast/healthprofessional/allpages/print. Accessed Feb. 16, 2010.
- Avis NE. Breast cancer survivors and hot flashes: The search for nonhormonal treatments. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008;26:5008.
- Polednak A. Bilateral synchronous breast cancer: A population-based study of characteristics, method of detection, and survival. Surgery. 2003;133:383.
- Goldflam K, et al. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: Predictors of significant histologic findings. Cancer. 2004;101:1977.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 9, 2010.
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