Overcoming stress after undergoing breast cancer surgery

It is very stressful for women suffering from breast cancer to face the challenge of surgery. Coping with this situation can be quite draining. Women not only face a lot of physiological issues but quite a lot of psychological issues with the latter being more difficult to manage. Dealing with the stress involved in this surgery is very difficult but not impossible. In this blog, let’s see how women can overcome breast cancer surgery stress.

As soon as breast cancer is diagnosed in a woman, she faces an unnamed fear. It is quite an overwhelming feeling and stress levels skyrocketing at this time is not surprising. Since women are by nature gentle and emotional, the first thing that comes to their mind is the well-being of their families. A woman is more stressed about what will happen to her children when she is no longer there and thinking of such extreme possibilities is quite natural. Finances are another issue that she considers when it comes to the treatment of this dreaded body condition. And, when there is a need for surgery, the situation is all the more challenging. Women coping with surgery stress need a lot of willpower and courage. And, knowing how to beat stress effectively goes a long way in combatting breast cancer surgery stress.

Emotional Support for Surgery

With advancements in the treatment of breast cancer, the chances of full recovery are great. Awareness about this disease and supportive care have also changed the outlook of people towards this problem. 

Coping with Surgery Anxiety

The most common treatment that is usually recommended for breast cancer is mastectomy or removal of the cancer-infected breast. This surgery itself has a lot of emotional ramifications. Stress is high in patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery. This stress occurs due to several factors like uncertainty about the future, chances of becoming completely cured, the disease’s unpredictability, disabilities and financial issues. Therefore, there is a dire need for surgery stress management. Dealing with post-surgery stress is as important as managing stress during breast cancer surgery.

Identifying Stressors

Common signals of stress that are seen among breast cancer patients are the following:

• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sleep
• Irritability
• Pain
• Anxiety
• Headaches

Once these signals have been identified, the next step leads to the reduction of stress. If this situation is not handled in a correct manner, it may have serious consequences. Building stress may lead to anger, frustration, depression and hopelessness regarding life. Apart from the woman suffering from this problem, her near and dear ones are also affected. So, stress relief after breast surgery is crucial for the patient as well as her family members.

Surgery Anxiety Support

Learning how to embrace positivity during hard times is essential for handling many of our life situations. It is quite true in the case of breast cancer surgery too.

In order to reduce stress during and after breast cancer surgery, the individual needs to do the following.

• The patient must have a positive attitude towards life. Even though this can be highly challenging, a positive outlook helps cope with breast surgery stress better.
• The person also needs to accept that suffering from cancer is a situation that is beyond their control and thinking about what they should have done correctly or avoided to prevent this problem is a futile exercise.
• One must be assertive instead of being aggressive. The woman has the full right to assert her opinions, feelings and beliefs when it comes to her health instead of becoming combative, angry or passive.
• She must engage in her favourite activities so that her mind is diverted. This is also one of the best breast cancer surgery recovery tips.
• After the doctor’s advice, the woman should also exercise regularly as it will help keep up good spirits. Moreover, physically fit women can cope with the stress of this illness in a better manner. Drugs or alcohol should be avoided to reduce stress.

Breathing exercises also help in relieving stress. They relax the mind and muscles considerably. Listening to good music is another way of dealing with depression and anxiety after breast cancer treatment.

Other techniques for achieving surgery emotional support include having a proper diet, exercising regularly and talking aloud about one’s thoughts with friends and loved ones. Love is an integral part of our lives and there is nothing more gratifying than love in times of adversity. The ways that love is good for your health will surely emphasize what a significant role love plays in everyone’s life. With true love and a good support system, you can efficiently handle breast cancer surgery stress.

FAQs

1. How do you deal with stress from breast cancer?

The patient must follow their doctor’s advice on diet and exercise. Coping techniques include listening to music, trying to meditate, and getting involved in favourite activities. Talking with family and friends can help the individual deal with stress better.

2. How does breast cancer affect you emotionally?

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she goes through lots of physiological and psychological changes. Thoughts regarding an uncertain future, taking care of spouse and children, and financial issues (which include taking treatment) will keep swarming in her mind. It will be highly challenging to accept the diagnosis during the initial months. These are the ways in which breast cancer can affect a woman emotionally.

3. Does stress affect breast cancer?

Stress affects all people. Stress does not directly lead to cancer. However, it can increase the risks of breast cancer and other types of cancer. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer must try to learn the ways of managing stress. If patients with breast cancer are affected by stress, it will have an adverse impact on the disease and recovery time might take longer. So, handling stress in effective ways is a must for all.

4. What are the emotional effects of breast surgery?

Based on how a person feels after breast surgery, the emotional effects may vary. Even a highly optimistic person’s emotional state can be adversely affected by breast cancer and the surgery that follows. There can be pain and suffering, and a necessity for a good support system. Some patients might experience mood swings too. Depending on the results of the breast surgery and one’s innate attitude, the emotional effects of breast surgery will differ from one person to another.