Coping with advanced breast cancer

In your experience with breast cancer, you’ve faced many challenges, overcome many hurdles, and learned a lot — about yourself and about your disease. Still, a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can come as a shock. Here are coping strategies and suggestions you may find helpful.

Understand your emotions

Accepting the fact that you have advanced breast cancer can be difficult. In fact, many women initially refuse to accept their diagnosis. Denial can initially help you gradually adjust to your diagnosis. But it can be problematic if it lasts too long and prevents you from getting needed medical care. However, most people — when given a little time — are able to work through initial feelings of denial and turn their focus toward getting treatment.

Often, along with acceptance comes a range of other emotions, including anger, fear, loneliness, guilt, and worry. The following tips may help you deal with these emotions:

• If you feel angry, don't pretend everything is OK. Talk it out, even if it's difficult for you to open up. Most of the time talking will help you feel a lot better. You may also want to reach out to groups and organizations that offer support or counseling to women with breast cancer and their loved ones. Often hospitals (or your doctor's office) will have a list of local organizations that can help. A social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy may be a good resource to discuss your feelings.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings. Keeping a journal allows you the freedom to express emotions that might otherwise be kept inside. Consider using it throughout the day to write down personal reflections, words of inspiration, or things that brought you joy.
• Learn about your condition and current treatment options. Rather than imagining the worst, get the facts. Knowing what to expect may help alleviate some of your fears. Books, pamphlets, videos, and Web sites like this one can provide helpful information. Ask questions of your doctor or nurse. The more you know about the diagnosis, the better equipped you and your family will be to make informed decisions about your cancer treatment and overall health.
• Learn more about available resources and support.

Stick to a healthy routine

Cancer, along with the many doctor’s visits and treatment appointments, can make you feel as if your life is out of control. Here are some ways to cope:

• Look beyond your cancer. Staying busy may help you feel better. You may choose to continue going to work, even if it requires adjusting your schedule.
• Eat a healthy diet. If you are having trouble eating, work with your doctor or nurse to find ways to keep up your strength and energy.
• Don’t overdo it. Rest helps give your body the strength it needs. Get more sleep, and nap during the day whenever you are tired. Also talk to your doctor about what activities you should and should not be doing.
• Find time to exercise. Exercise can help lessen some breast cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects. Programs that include aerobic and resistance training have been shown to help with fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Before starting any exercise program, be sure to talk to your doctor.
• Take care of you, not just your body. Sometimes it helps to forget about having breast cancer for a little while. Take joy in the simple things life has to offer — a beautiful sunrise, the feeling of clay between your fingers, the smell of fresh-cut grass. Nurturing yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s something you deserve.
• Maintain a sense of order. It can be difficult to keep up with the growing number of medical records, phone numbers, and appointment schedules associated with your diagnosis and treatment. Try keeping them in one place, where you can be sure to find them when needed.

Follow your treatment plan

One of the best ways to continue fighting against advanced breast cancer is to stick to your treatment plan as directed by your doctor. Consider these tips:

• Manage the process. Keep doctor’s appointments and treatment appointments. Take your medications as prescribed. Keep accurate records of all treatments; your medical history may determine how your condition will be treated in the future
• Ask your family and friends to help. They can fill out paperwork, provide transportation, and keep track of appointments. For help with your appointment schedule, download the Personal Treatment Calendar.
• Seek financial advice if breast cancer is affecting your income. Learn more about payment support. For specific information about health coverage for FASLODEX, visit the AstraZeneca Cancer Support Network.