Metastatic breast cancer involves the spread of cancer from the breast to various regions of the body. Common sites of metastasis include the lungs, brain, liver, chest wall, lymph nodes and bones. Dealing with breast cancer which has spread is emotionally and physically challenging. Survivors of metastatic breast cancer must learn to cope with severe mental and physical obstacles, while attempting to maintain a hopeful attitude towards available options and treatment.
Instructions
Coping with Metastatic Breast Cancer
1. Examine Treatment Options
Decide which treatments are right for you. Discuss your treatment options and needs with your various physicians. Request second and third opinions if desired. You deserve the best treatment you can get. Many treatments are available to you, depending upon your type of metastasis. If you experience pain, do not be afraid to ask for pain management medication. Enroll in clinical trials if interested.
2. Develop Coping Mechanisms
Coping with metastatic breast cancer is a very individualized process for each person. Practice self-care by loving yourself just the way you are. You are a beautiful person and deserve to be cared for. Socializing and receiving support from friends, family and neighbors can enhance your coping abilities. Attending support groups or visiting online chat rooms with other cancer survivors may reduce isolation. Talking with professionals such as social workers, psychologists, religious leaders and medical professionals may be helpful. Exercising at your own level of ability may relieve stress, and enhance overall well-being. You may want to register for an online or in-person "I Can Cope" course through the American Cancer Society. Find a method of coping which works for you.
3. Welcome Assistance
Allow others to help you. When neighbors or friends ask what they can do to help, let them know what you need. Help can come in the form of watching children, emotional support, meals, lawn mowing, transportation to appointments, and grocery shopping. Volunteer agencies and churches are possible sources of support.
4. Prepare
Preparing for the unknown may be uncomfortable at first, but may alleviate stress for yourself and others in the future. Develop a plan for hospitalizations and treatments. Decide who will care for you, your children and your pets when you are ill. Create a will and a living will. A will outlines who will care for your children if you are deceased and who inherits your financial assets. A living will allows you to decide who can make medical decisions for you, should you become terminally ill. This may give you peace of mind if your disease continues to progress.
5. Hope
Hope sustains us in times of hardship. Remember, development of new treatments and clinical trials continue to provide hope and encouragement that metastatic breast cancer can be defeated. If interested, search for clinical trials at http://www.cancer.gov.clinicaltrials/search/.
Tags: breast cancer, clinical trials, breast cancer, care your, care your children, Coping with, living will
