
"I'm sorry. Your tests came back positive. You have breast cancer.“ Being newly diagnosed with breast cancer is the equivalent of a bomb exploding on your life. Regardless of your doctor's exact words to break the news, a breast cancer diagnosis will irrevocably change your life.
Even if you have a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition and understand that your statistical risk is higher, you may still be overwhelmed by the news. But you’re not a statistic. You’re a person with hopes, dreams, and emotions. And a breast cancer diagnosis can send your stress levels into overtime. We understand, first hand.
There’s no right or wrong way to feel after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. You may experience an emotional roller-coaster, with your feelings changing day to day or even hour to hour. Shock, fear, disbelief, numbness, and anger are just a few of the ways a breast cancer diagnosis may make you feel. It may take time to accept that you have cancer and adjust, especially if you don’t feel sick.
You might walk around in a daze. Another person might rush to their computer and frantically Google “breast cancer.” Or, someone else might go home and cry for hours.
When facing a breast cancer diagnosis, your stress levels can quickly spin out of control. Uncertainties about the future, finances, your family, and the sheer number of questions that occupy your mind can all lead to stress. And while there’s no easy fix, there are ways to help better manage the stress that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis.
5 Ways to Manage Stress After Receiving a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
1. Get the Facts
Dealing with the unknown can contribute to stress. It’s essential to gather the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Get as much basic, helpful information as possible.