Living with Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. It is normal to feel frightened, confused, and angry. You may have a lot of questions and concerns, not just about your diagnosis and treatment choices, but also about things like health insurance, living expenses, and how this will affect your professional and personal life.

Coping with a breast cancer diagnosis

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many organizations and support groups available to help you through this journey. There are many breast cancer survivors around the world.

Everyone deals with a cancer diagnosis in his or her own way. Here are some suggestions for coping with a breast cancer diagnosis:

  1. Learn about your breast cancer: Find out more about your breast cancer so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment. Different breast cancers treated differently. Discuss the best treatment strategy with your doctor.
  2. Seek out support: Talk to family and friends, and talk to other breast cancer survivors.
  3. Be patient: It takes time to adjust to a cancer diagnosis. Give yourself time to process the news and grieve. Take your time to consider all possible treatment plans and choose the one that is best for you.
  4. Take care of yourself: Eating healthy food, exercising, and getting enough rest will help you cope with the stress of cancer. It will also help your body withstand the strain breast cancer treatments can have on your body.
  5. Seek professional help if you need it: If you are having trouble coping, talk to a counsellor or therapist.

 

Breast cancer treatment side effects

Breast cancer treatment can cause a variety of side effects. Some side effects go away quickly, while others can be long-lasting or even permanent. It is important to talk to your doctor about the side effects of breast cancer treatment before you start treatment. This way, you can take necessary measures to manage and mitigate these side effects.

Physical side effects

The physical side effects of cancer treatment depend on the type of treatment you receive. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can all cause different side effects. Some common side effects include: Fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, mouth sores, skin changes, insomnia, anaemia, and lymphedema (swelling of the arm or leg).

Emotional side effects

Many people experience emotional side effects after a cancer diagnosis and during treatment. These side effects can include anxiety, depression, fear, and grief. You may feel guilty, helpless or sad about how breast cancer has affected your life and the lives of your loved ones.

It is important to talk to someone about how you are feeling so that you can get the support you need. If you are having trouble coping with the emotional side effects of cancer treatment, talk to your doctor or a counsellor.

Social side effects

Cancer treatment has social side effects. You may find it difficult to go about your regular routines. You may also have trouble with work or childcare, as breast cancer treatment forces you to take time away from your loved ones and career. The social effects of breast cancer can be just as challenging as the physical and emotional effects. It is important to talk to your doctor about the effects you are experiencing as you go through this journey, as they may be able to provide you with resources to manage your commitments as you undergo treatment.

Financial effects of cancer

Cancer can also have a financial impact. The cost of cancer treatment, time off work, loss of income, and the need for long-term care can all add up. As a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident, there are several financial assistance schemes that can help you deal with the financial impact of cancer. The list below is non-exhaustive. If you lack the financial means, please discuss potential methods of financing your treatment with your healthcare provider.

  • The Cancer Care Fund is a one-time financial assistance program for low- or middle-income families who have been diagnosed with cancer within the first six months. It is provided by the Singapore Cancer Society.
  • The Welfare Aid program gives short-term financial aid and/or medical supplies. such as medical dressings, diapers, stoma bags and other medical equipment, to cancer patients in need of improved well-being. It is provided by the Singapore Cancer Society.
  • The Cancer Treatment Fund provides needy cancer patients with financial assistance to help subsidise part of their cancer treatment costs. It is provided by the Singapore Cancer Society.
  • The National University Cancer Institute Singapore (NCIS) Cancer Fund helps low-income patients pay for critical cancer treatment. It caters to patients who need financial help on top of other government aid schemes and their CPF.

The physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of breast cancer can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many organizations and support groups available to help you through this difficult time.

There are also many ways to cope with breast cancer. Some people find support groups helpful. Others find comfort in religion or spirituality. Some people find that exercise helps them cope. Everyone is different. Find what works for you and stick with it.

 

 

Follow-up care after completion of your breast cancer treatment

You may feel relieved after finishing your primary treatments for breast cancer. Hopefully, your therapy went well and you had a quick recovery. Besides feeling eager to move on and put breast cancer behind you, you may have some concerns about your cancer recurring. This section will discuss the steps you should take after completing breast cancer treatment.

After breast cancer treatment, you will need to see your doctor regularly for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, your doctor will check your physical and emotional health and monitor your breast cancer for signs of recurrence. These appointments are an important part of your recovery and survivorship.

Tips for life after treatment:

  • Take things one day at a time

    Breast cancer can be a difficult journey, but you are not alone. There are many breast cancer survivors around the world who have been through what you are going through. With the support of family, friends, and medical professionals, you can get through this and live a long and healthy life.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it

    It is okay to ask for help when you are struggling. Talk to your friends and family about what you are going through. There are also many breast cancer support groups available both in-person and online. These groups can provide you with emotional support and practical advice from people who have been through breast cancer themselves.

  • Seek out support.

    Talk to family and friends or join a support group for people with breast cancer. Support groups can be a great way to meet other breast cancer survivors and learn about different coping strategies.

  • Be sure to stay active and exercise regularly.

    Exercising regularly may reduce stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Exercise can help improve your mood, reduce fatigue, and ease anxiety. It is also a great way to get some fresh air and meet new people. If you are not used to exercising, start slowly and build up your stamina over time.

  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid processed foods.

    Eating a healthy diet is an important part of staying healthy after breast cancer treatment. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your overall health. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat can also help reduce your risk of breast cancer recurrence.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions.

    It is crucial to take your medication as prescribed and keep all your follow-up appointments. Be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in your health, even if they seem unrelated to breast cancer. Keeping your doctor informed of these changes can help them better monitor your health and detect any signs of cancer recurrence

  • Get regular breast cancer screenings.

    Be sure to get regular breast cancer screenings after you finish treatment. These screenings can help detect breast cancer early when it is most likely to be curable. Your doctor will let you know how often you need to be screened based on your individual risk factors.

  • Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.

    Smoking increases the risk of developing breast cancer and the risk of breast cancer recurrence. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. If you do not smoke, avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible.

  • Limit alcohol consumption.

    Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

  • Reduce stress.

    Stress can have a negative impact on your overall health. Try to find ways to reduce stress in your life. Exercise, meditation, and yoga can all help reduce stress levels.

  • Monitor your mental health.

    It is vital to keep a close eye on your mental well-being following breast cancer treatment. If you experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, do reach out to a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for mental health conditions, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.

Conclusion

Breast cancer treatment can be a long and difficult journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with breast cancer and live a healthy life after treatment. With the support of family, friends, and medical professionals, you can get through this and come out stronger on the other side.