Coping with the Emotional Aspects of Breast Cancer
For many seniors, the emotional burden that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis can be as bad as fighting the physical effects of the disease itself. But, it is possible to overcome both, and all seniors can cope with the emotional aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis with a positive attitude and a few other techniques:
1. Communicate with loved ones – while you might not want to worry the important people in your life, talk about what you’re facing, and let them lend you their support
2. Maintain an intimate relationship – if you have a spouse or partner, maintaining physical intimacy can be beneficial to your emotional well-being and ensure your spouse doesn’t begin to treat you differently
3. Keep track of your disease – by tracking your symptoms and presenting them to your medical doctor, you can feel like you’re taking control over the disease, which gives you a sense of power. Also keep track of visits in a log, save results of tests and receipts
4. Seek professional support – having the support of friends and family isn’t enough, find a support group of people who are dealing with similar struggles and talk to a counsellor, spiritual advisor or other professional
5. Educate yourself – keep yourself informed every step of the way. Do your own research and empower yourself
6. Have a backup plan – with an unpredictable disease, you need to be prepared for anything. Don’t dwell on the worst case scenario, but plan for it
Via: About.com
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
