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Breast Cancer Survivor
One of the definitions of the word “survivor” is “one who withstands.” And this definition more than any other, seems particularly apt for someone who has survived the physical and emotional onslaught known as breast cancer.
Surviving cancer of any kind is difficult. Some studies have shown that cancer survivors actually suffer a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women who are breast cancer survivors face one hurdle that is specific to their cancer. Breast cancer affects the breast – the female sex organ that is meant to feed the young. Breasts are also physical features, and play a role in how women view themselves as attractive, sexual beings. One common treatment for breast cancer is a radical mastectomy (ie, removal of both breasts), an arduous operation with a long and painful rehabilitation. After surgery, patients sometimes see themselves as incomplete or unattractive. Other common treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are exhausting and extremely hard on the body, causing hair and weight loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. These all take a toll on a patient’s self-image, but the loss of one or both breasts can sometimes be the hardest blow of all.
Fortunately, a recent study on breast cancer survivors determined that most have a normal level of emotional well-being. However, many of them still experienced a variety of physical issues, and these were more pronounced in women who had undergone mastectomies or chemotherapy. The women were questioned about mood, symptoms, quality of life and sexual functioning. They had all received treatment which included either mastectomy or lumpectomy alone or combined with chemotherapy. The poorest physical functioning was reported by women who had undergone mastectomies, while those whose treatment included chemotherapy reported worse sexual functioning. Physical symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, aches and pains and vaginal dryness were reported by women in all treatment groups.
Medical information regarding breast cancer treatment and therapies, as well as emotional and financial support are critical factors in helping patients battling breast cancer. There are many organizations that focus specifically on the breast cancer survivor, providing these patients with information on breast cancer issues like current and experimental treatments and assistance with wig and breast prostheses – important aspects of surviving breast cancer. Perhaps the most crucial element though, and what is different for each patient, is emotional status. To address this, nearly every organization that deals with breast cancer offers some type of counseling or support group.
p>Breast cancer survivors go through several stages of emotions in dealing with their cancer. Some common feelings are denial, anger, loneliness, guilt, fear, anxiety, lack of control, and also hope. Support groups give breast cancer survivors the opportunity to discuss these feelings and fears. Family members at times are uncomfortable, and don’t know what to say or do because they are too emotionally vested. Breast cancer survivors need a safe place to share their struggles (and victories) with those who are in the same situation. In many cases cancer support groups can be more helpful than traditional individual therapy. One support group (Imerman Angels) even arranges a one-on-one relationship between the patient and a survivor who has experienced the same type of cancer.
In addition to emotional support for breast cancer survivors, medical information on standard surgeries and therapies as well as new or experimental treatments can be extremely helpful to survivors in sustaining a positive outlook. Improvements in cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery techniques, as well as ongoing clinical trials to study new drug therapies, mean that breast cancer today can be viewed as a chronic disease rather than a death sentence. These positive developments combined with the growing numbers of breast cancer survivors provide hope to anyone diagnosed with the disease.