In this article we want to share with you the different steps that a woman faces when diagnosed with breast cancer, so we will try to do an exercise in empathy, however complicated it may seem, let’s say that the doctor just told a woman the news. How do you respond to the impact of this disease?What steps will this woman have to take mentally?
Breast cancer is an accelerated and uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the glandular epithelium, which are cells that have considerably increased their reproductive capacity, breast cancer cells can spread to the blood or lymphatic vessels and reach other parts of the body producing metastasis. Has it happened or not is very important information to talk about the prognosis of the disease.
- In terms of epidemiology and risk factors.
- It can be said to be the most common cancer in women.
- However.
- Thanks to advances in medicine.
- Breast cancer mortality has declined in recent years.
On the one hand, the oncologist will take care of the physical process of the disease by surgery with the removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, the decision and application of chemotherapy and the choice in relation to hormone therapy. physician should take into account the particular characteristics of the patient, such as the psychological strength available to him or her.
On the other hand, the figure of the psychologist is fundamental in any therapeutic process of this disease Does the patient know, understand and accept the disease?From the first moment of diagnosis, it is necessary to be at the side of the person to provide support, help and promote emotional collapse and the correct use of information, in addition, the psychologist can be an essential figure to intensify the patient’s adherence to treatment. as well as managing your expectations.
“Can you be a victim or a cancer survivor, is that a way of thinking?-Dave Pelzer-
As Kobler-Ross mentioned, a person goes through different stages when diagnosed with cancer, so it is essential to detect at what stage the person is at, because the support, help and way of acting in the therapeutic process will be different.
At first the person is in a phase of denial, refuses to believe that he has cancer, in many situations the patient himself requests that he be tested several times to confirm it, at this stage it is common to seek different medical opinions to convince himself that there was no error in the diagnosis.
Then denial disappears and becomes anger, anger and hostility, often attributing the situation to doctors, themselves or their families. Subsequently, the person who has been diagnosed with cancer may enter a phase of depression, in which he feels powerless, does not want to fight, in which sadness and fear are at the center of his daily mood.
And then it’s negotiation, can we say what the prayer is at this stage?What would have happened if ??? In secret and with himself, the person tries to make a deal, it is a defense mechanism to protect you from the reality of cancer when you are not yet prepared or ready to accept the disease.
The last step a person goes through is the acceptance of the disease, the acceptance of their cancer, from this moment on the patient will begin to live with his problem and fight directly against cancer.
“I expel pain and sadness when I dance and I attract joy and rhythm. –Igna Muscio–
From a therapeutic point of view, it is necessary to accompany the woman diagnosed with breast cancer in the different stages through which she will go through, reducing her pain until she reaches acceptance of the disease, from this moment we will continue walking with during the therapeutic process, it is important and essential to reduce any uncertainty that women may have about cancer , providing psychoeducation about the disease itself, about the therapies and techniques we will use to improve physical and mental condition.
“Cancer is a word, not a prayer. -John Diamond-
It is therefore essential to remember that, step by step, the different phases are being overcome, with help, support, willpower and energy it is possible to follow this process, surely there will not be such a good day. But in those days, will there also be positive details that will touch the person, be it a child’s smile, a couple’s kiss, a friend’s love note, a walk in the countryside?
Each phase has its moment, but in one way or another, for there to be an evolution the person must accept the disease, he must accept that he has a disease, not that he is sick, therefore, to know and recognize his fears, anxieties and uncertainties, strength, energy and positivity will be greater to win this battle.
Women with breast cancer, be brave and warrior! Take heart on this road!