My Breakthrough
Your feelings
The diagnosis of breast cancer is a very traumatic experience for most women.
No two individuals are exactly the same but many women describe feeling shocked,
anxious or angry.
Your feelings may change from day to day. It isn't unusual to have 'up' days and 'down' days, even many months after your cancer has been diagnosed and treated.
It may take several months to feel you have really adjusted physically and emotionally to what has happened. Treatment can cause tiredness, lethargy and an accompanying low mood, from which you may recover slowly.
Some women say they lose their self-confidence at this time, either related to life in general or to feelings of loss of attractiveness and femininity.
If you feel like this, talk to your partner or others close to you. Many women say this helps them to regain their confidence and to realise they are the same person as before their diagnosis and valued as such. These reactions are common and normal.
The nurse will also see your family, if they themselves are finding it difficult to adjust to your illness. Breast care nurses may also be able to offer counselling.
Many women find it helps to talk to others who have had breast cancer. A nationwide network of women offers an opportunity to do this. You can contact someone in your area through Breast Cancer Care.
There are also self-help and support groups throughout the country, some of which are for women with breast cancer, their families and friends.
You should also read our Best Treatment Guidelines for women with breast cancer, which cover every aspect of treatment and care, from diagnosis to surgery and radiotherapy to hormonal therapy.
