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Mental, emotional challenges face breast cancer patients

Star Beacon - 10/22/2020

Oct. 21--The wide range of emotions coming from a breast cancer diagnosis often have to take a backseat to the immediate needs of putting together a treatment plan, but should not be ignored over time area health and mental health experts said.

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping," said Jolene Sundquist, Community Counseling Center chief clinical officer. She said it is important for people to find space to deal with feelings that come from such a fearful experience.

"Listen to your own body. Do what soothes your soul," she said.

Sundquist said it is important to acknowledge the feelings and each individual must find some sort of support that works for them.

"For some people that might be a cat curled up in your lap," she said.

"Healing comes in relationships," Sundquist said of the importance of having people to lean on when needed.

Ashtabula County Medical Center General Surgery Certified Physician Assistant Simona Dobos concurred with Sundquist.

"Every individual is different and therefore everyone may react differently, which is perfectly normal. It is important to realize that how we cope with these unexpected surges in different emotions plays a crucial role along the journey of cancer treatment," Dobos said.

Dobos said another challenge facing cancer patients is the intensity of emotions that can vary day-to-day.

"For instance one may experience extreme sorrow and guilt one day, while another day there is a dogged determination to fight and defeat cancer. A patient with cancer will continue to deal with a variety of emotions throughout treatment and well-beyond their final appointment," he said.

"Each emotion must be encountered as it comes up. Your brain is coping with a complex set of issues: the cancer diagnosis itself, worries about everyday obligations in life such as finances, children and work, and the unknown of what the future holds. All of these contribute to this emotional rollercoaster you may experience," Dobos said.

Dobos affirmed that an emotional support network is very important and if an emotional response is so strong that it negatively affects a person's day-to-day life for more than a few days, medical help should be sought immediately.

The key is to focus on the things that you can control such as eating, sleeping, exercise, home and work schedules as well as interaction with family and friends.

"There is no one-solution-fits-all for emotions felt by those diagnosed with breast cancer. A person must deal with the emotions as they appear in hopes of getting to a point where acceptance of their diagnosis is key. Once that diagnosis is accepted, then the emotional healing can begin," Dobos said.

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