By Lourdes D. Heras
After a breast cancer diagnosis…
My life, your life, our life changes and the lives of those around us are impacted.
I’m not going to lie. During this diagnosis, on several occasions I have felt defeated, but I know that I have to get up, and boy is it hard sometimes. One medicine results in certain side effects that require other medicines, and it’s a never-ending cycle.
Beyond this, the fear of cancer recurrence is on our minds, some days more than others. This creates a significant impact, both mentally and physically. AND, when it happens, not only is the person experiencing the recurrence crushed, but so are loved ones.
Remember you are not alone – focus on that light of hope and in the present of each day.
Not long ago, while on my way to see my oncologist, a person in the elevator rushed in a little agitated, turned to me and said, “Today has been such a bad day.” I turned to her, smiled, and said, “The day is not over, it can’t go on this bad.”
As the elevator door opened, she turned and thanked me: “That is what I needed.” Of course it may not be that easy, remember that each person is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. But it is up to us to demonstrate empathy, to be understanding toward ourselves – practicing self-love, taking it one day at a time, even on those difficult ones, there is always something to be grateful for. Encourage a gradual process toward a self-loving mindset.
Putting ourselves first is not selfish. By doing this, we will be better for our loved ones.
If you have not been able to join one of SBC’s weekly support groups, I recommend that you do it. You will really feel better, especially on those days when you didn’t think that a meeting would help you at all.
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