Breast Cancer

Lesson 6: Alternative & Complementary Medicine

Mind Over Matter

The mental aspect of your journey through breast cancer is extremely important. No matter how good the physical treatment is, unless you can cope with the whole scenario mentally, you will be in for a long, ardous trip.

There are many ways to cope with the mental anguish of breast cancer: individual or group counseling, behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation and support group. One of the newest mental health help areas is the Internet. There are ongoing studies, seeking to prove the benefit of online chat rooms, message boards and breast cancer websites. I don't need to wait for the results of the studies - for me, the Internet was a lifeline. I chatted with wonderful survivors, in my pajamas at 3AM. They gave me answers that my doctor couldn't. They had "been there, done that."

Most breast centers offer the availability of many of these programs. All of these programs take time and commitment from you, the patient. Sometimes, spouses and children or friends may be invited to participate in some of these activities. Again, it is up to you.

Don't be like me. I was sure that I didn't need any mental support (I was super-mom, wonder-wife and office worker extraordinaire in my mind). I had visions of a support group being a group of old ladies, ready to die and crying a lot. I went through almost all of my treatment before I agreed (the social worker badgered me) to attend a support group. I was so wrong in my assumptions. The group ranges in age from 20 to 85, single, divorced, widowed, mothers, grandmas, dating girls...I now facilitate our support group which is directed by an oncology social worker. To this day, I attend faithfully each month. I always learn something new. Some weeks you laugh, others you cry, but you always come away with a new perspective.

When you are feeling blue, there is always someone with a worse scenario than you and it puts your life in perspective. Other nights, you just feel good by being able to explain a procedure to a newly diagnosed patient who is scared to death. Yet another month, it might just be sharing a homemaking story with another survivor, who is coping the same as you.

Recent studies have shown that women who participate in support groups do better. They live longer. They adjust better. They don't let cancer derail them. They manage all the treatments with a more positive attitude.

Give a support group or a mental health counselor a try. You will be glad you did. http://www.cancernews.com/support.html http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/support/ http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/8_8.htm

  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8