Common Issue and Concerns of Breast Cancer Patients

Cancer patients can experience a wide range of emotions when diagnosed.  Some of the feelings that arise may include: fear, anger, depression, anxiety, shock, confusion, and isolation.  These feelings are normal and can stem from various issues that have come up during and post treatment.  How you manage these feelings can often determine how well you will cope through your treatment and into survivorship. 

Below is a list of common and issues and concerns reported by breast cancer patients:

-Decisions around treatment or surgery options (BRCA +, Oncotype results)
-Treatment side effects such as hair loss , fatigue and "chemo brain" 
-Non-compliance with treatment or follow-up
-Intimacy and dating during and after a cancer diagnosis
-Navigating the hospital amd medical system
-Sexuality: changes in sexual desire, intimacy, medically induced menopause (vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, etc) 
-Body image and self esteem
-Lymphedema side effects
-Work related issues: sharing your diagnosis in the work place, applying for disability, returning to work during and after treatment
-Financial stressors such as medical co-pays and drug costs
-How to talk to loved ones including children about cancer
-Getting back to "normal" after treatment ends
-Transitioning from patient to survivor
-Lack of support in the family or community
-Anxiety about upcoming scans, mammograms, or Oncology appointments 
-Fear of recurrence: "Will my cancer return?"
-Staying healthy and eating healthy during and after treatment
-Thoughts about mortality or death and dying
-Living with chronic illness (metastatic disease) 
-Choosing complimentary or alternative treatment option

It is important that you address these issues with your physicians in addition to counseling as they may be a result of a medical complication or treatment side effect. Is is especially crucial that if you choose alternative or complimentary treatments that you discuss these specifics with your physician as they may have a negative impact on your cancer treatment.

Lastly, if you identify with any of these issues or concerns and you are having trouble coping through treatment and after, then counseling or group support may be needed. It is important to find a therapist who specializes in your cancer. In addition, finding a group that is facilitated by a mental health professional who is also a specialist in cancer is equally as important. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Women's Therapy Center in Plainview, NY. We provide both individual and group counseling for women with breast cancer. I am a Cancer Specialist who has been working with breast cancer patients since 2009. (516) 576-1118

www.womentc.com