“You have cancer”. The day you hear those words is a day you will never forget.
It is the day you must accept what is happening and what is yet to come. But it is not that straightforward.
Finding a lump is one of the first defining moments in the cancer journey. Following that, your mind can have a period to prepare itself for those words above. Here, a mammogram and a breast ultrasound are done to make images of the breast. The period is short for some, but for others, it is long, depending on when a diagnosis can be confirmed based on the data.
When the day comes to know the diagnosis, some people get “Ostrich Syndrome,” where they are so afraid they simply refuse to visit a doctor so they don’t get bad news. It is as if you are burying your head in the sand like an ostrich to avoid external things.
The process often starts with denial, followed by anger and acceptance of the state. This differs for people depending on what stage of life they are at and the severity of the disease. What is more important is how to live and not just survive post-diagnosis!
For patients to cope with a cancer diagnosis and enhance their psychological well-being, finding meaning in life and accepting that they have cancer are essential. So, how do you find meaning in your journey?
Breast cancer survivor Farah says, “In my cancer journey, I found meaning beyond the suffering and fear. Through hope and love, I found strength and a new purpose to empower women going through a similar journey.”
Almost anyone who has experienced a crisis has broached the question, at least mentally, of “why?” Why did this have to happen? What did I do to deserve this? These questions are part of the normal process of grief. In the case of cancer, you may grieve your health, breasts, or happiness.
Finding meaning is at the core of understanding why this happened.
Accept: Finding meaning requires general acceptance since it lets your mind know that you are aware of what is happening. You’ll be able to accept what has happened at last, and you might even emerge from the catastrophe stronger than before.
Rediscover your connections: To deal with loss, it is essential to find assistance. Most of the time, your friends and family are the ones who can help you the most. They can’t read your mind, though, no matter how near they are to you. Before they can assist, you must be ready to express how you feel and what you need.
Set priorities and plan: Create a plan for your health. Be proactive in ensuring your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, whether that means therapy, reading, or relaxation time.
Consider complementary therapies: Nutrition, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, mind-heart techniques, and mind-body practices can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. This will give you more space to mentally enjoy time with loved ones that bring meaning to you.
In conclusion, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience that forces people to reflect on the significance of their journey. The first step toward growth is accepting the condition. Seeking help and re-establishing relationships with loved ones are essential for emotional health. Making health a priority and considering complementary therapies might ease the journey. By following these stages, people can find meaning and resilience in the face of difficulty, ultimately coming away from the experience with a more precise knowledge of life.
