Breast Cancer Support

A diagnosis of breast cancer can be frightening and overwhelming. To help you cope with your diagnosis and meet other women who are also going through the same experience you are, the Good Samaritan BreastCare Center offers a free monthly breast cancer support group for those newly diagnosed and survivors of breast cancer.

The support group is held at the Breast Care Center on the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Feel free to drop by – no reservation is necessary.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, we hope that you keep these things in mind:

Handling Your Emotions

It’s okay to cry.
It’s okay to feel shock, anxiety, fear, sadness, or depression.
Every woman deals with the diagnosis differently.
An “emotional roller coaster” is a good description of what you may feel.
Find someone to confide in.
Focus on life one day at a time - keeping a written journal may help.
Know that you are the same radiant woman despite this diagnosis.
Attend a breast cancer support group where other women can identify with what you are going through.

Gathering Information

Rarely is breast cancer a medical emergency. You have time to gather information and learn about the disease.
Ask your doctor and health care providers for written information, such as the booklet “A Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer and Treatment” from the California Department of Health Services.
Invite your spouse or significant other to come to doctor’s visits to pick up any information that you may miss.
Be aware that Internet resources are not always reliable. Discuss whatever you learn on-line with your doctor.
Make the best treatment choices with your doctor from the information you’ve gathered.

Making Your Health A Priority

Many breast cancer survivors see their diagnosis as a time to reflect and make positive changes in their life.
A balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains, and low in fat is recommended.
Exercise regularly. Choose an activity you enjoy such as walking.
Get plenty of rest and a full night’s sleep.
Some women choose to work during treatment while others take time off. Usually your doctor will support whichever option you choose.
Surround yourself with positive and helpful people.
Plan for fun times.
Check with your doctor before taking any supplements or over-the-counter medications as they could interfere with your treatment.

Talking to Children

Be open and honest with them and explain the diagnosis in simple terms. Often their fears are worse than reality.
Children are adept at picking up on your actions and reactions and how you are coping.
Every child will respond differently.
Let them know what they can do to help out.
Assure them that their life will continue as before (as much as possible).
Support groups and books for children of moms with cancer are available.
Many survivors express that this crisis has helped their family grow closer together.

Spouse/Support Person Tips

Breast cancer affects the whole family.
Open, honest communication is essential in meeting your mate’s needs.
It’s normal to feel hurt, somewhat helpless, and grieve along with your spouse.
Seek out support for yourself. Make sure to take care of yourself even if you don’t feel like it.
Practical ways to help out include:
- Assuring your partner of your unconditional love and participation in her care
- Attending doctor’s appointments together
- Helping out with household chores
- Dealing with insurance companies and finances, etc.
Understand that most women find it difficult to receive any assistance, as they are usually the caregivers in the family.
Anger or withdrawal can signal the need for time alone to sort through her life and emotions.
Sexual intimacy may be temporarily halted but the breast cancer journey can present an opportunity to grow in love and intimacy as a couple.