4. Focus on life, not cancer.
Learning to live life beyond a cancer diagnosis will help keep your spirits up. "I always did the opposite of what I thought the cancer wanted me to do," says Lise Paquet, a breast cancer survivor from Ottawa. The best remedy is to continue to do the things that make you feel happy, she adds. For example, Lise took long walks with her dogs, connected with friends over lunch, read books and took bubble baths.
Despite any measures you take to de-stress, it's only natural that you'll face some sleepless nights. When fearful and anxious, Lise practised meditation. Others say they've found gentle yoga or journalling to be effective.
Breaking the news
Here are tips to help when sharing the news of your diagnosis.
• Most women confide in their spouse while deciding how to tell others.
• Some women choose to only tell their immediate family and friends, while others tell everyone they know. Do what makes you feel most comfortable.
• Be prepared to answer questions.
• Most people will be overwhelmingly supportive. Take advantage of this support and suggest specific ways they can help.
• Breaking the news to children is usually the most difficult. When you decide to tell your kids, remain optimistic and offer reassurance, but allow them to express their fears. Check out What About My Kids? A Guide for Parents Living with Breast Cancer online at www.cbcf.org/ontario/whataboutmykids.
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