Maybe you felt a lump or experience pain in your breast, your BFF encouraged you to go for a test or You simply Googled “mammography services near me” and got your mammogram done. The result came out, and you were diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, breathe in, take it easy.
We understand how life-altering the news is; and at that moment, you may feel overwhelmed, scared, and anxious. As time passes, you can find yourself on an emotional roller-coaster, lost in all the how’s, what’s, and why’s.
But here’s the thing: though breast cancer is the second leading cause of women’s death from cancer in the U.S. after skin cancer, it can be successfully treated when found early through screening tests.
Knowing how to respond after the diagnosis is important to navigate yourself forward in the right direction.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, here’s what you should do next:
1. Get to know more about it
Lack of knowledge about your condition, and breast cancer in general, will only lead you to panic and anxiety. So, do some research (from highly reliable sources) and learn more about it. You are not alone. Being certain will provide you comfort.
2. Ask questions
After diagnosis, you may have plenty of questions in your head. Ask your doctor all of them.
” What could have caused it? Do I need to do more tests? What is the stage of my cancer? Can you explain the different stages of breast cancer? What kind of treatment do I need? Will I need surgery?”
Ask these questions to sort through your concerns.
Remember, there’s no wrong question. Your doctor would likely love to answer all your questions.
3. Find support from your friends and family
If possible, don’t hide this news from your loved ones. Let them know about it.
In these times, you would want their complete support and comfort. Connect with a family of women who are battling this disease or has survived it. Lean on their knowledge and experience while battling breast cancer.
4. Have the right doctors by your side
Treatment of breast cancer will involve several specialists. Remember, it’s teamwork.
So, you want to make sure that the team you’re working with to fight and defeat your cancer is right and experienced; a team that you’re comfortable with.
5. Learn all about the treatments
Depending on the stage of your breast cancer including other factors, several treatment options will be presented to you.
Be extremely clear on this front. Know all your options. Ask your doctor why they have picked one over the other.
Know about the effectiveness and side-effect of the treatment. In short, stay informed about how you’re going to get better.
6. Seek counseling
Getting this news that you have breast cancer and then living with it throughout the treatment can be psychologically challenging.
So, do not hesitate to seek counseling if you’re always anxious, stressed, depressed, or have some other mental health issues.
Search for “primary care clinics near me” and talk to a qualified counselor. This can help a lot in improving your overall health.
7. Try to stay positive
Listen to your doctor. Follow their advice. Help them help you beat breast cancer.
Remember that it’s treatable. You can beat it.
So, do not let it define your days. Don’t obsess about it. Do take proper care of yourself – and enjoy a normal life, according to your doctor’s guidance.
Yes, it’s easier said than done. But you’ll be fine. Trust your doctors and, of course, trust yourself.
Conclusion
After you have beat cancer, you may still need to see your doctor regularly. You will have to do a mammogram again, as well as other tests.
Again, breast cancer is treatable. Early diagnosis can make all the difference. If you’re at high risk, you should get tested immediately. Search for “mammography services near me” and visit a good facility to get your mammogram done.
