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Restore Spiritual Well-Being Coping With Recovery

The word “coping” refers to the thoughts and actions we use to deal with stress and challenges. No one would dispute the fact that going through breast cancer treatment can be a challenge, and that for some women, so is life after treatment.

Breast cancer might change your life in ways that last well after treatment ends.

In addition to dealing with any possible lingering effects of your treatment, you probably have been thinking about how your life might be changed by your breast cancer experience. You may have asked yourself: “What can I do to help prevent a breast cancer recurrence?” “Will my hormone therapy cause me any problems?” “Will my sex life be affected my treatment?”

So, how do you cope with life after treatment and get your life back to “normal?”

You can start by acknowledging that your recovery and survivorship are more like a marathon than a sprint. You might have lingering effects from your treatment such as , chemo brain or that might interfere with your ability to resume your familiar activities.

There are many coping strategies available and simple steps you can take to make your transition into survivorship a smooth one. They involve focusing on your , , and health and well-being.

With respect to the aspects of coping with life after breast cancer treatment, exercising, eating a healthy and balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink are key success factors.

You can improve your by getting help with any emotional distress such as anxiety, sadness and you might be experiencing. Here are some things that you can do to better cope with your emotions:

  • Communicate with family and friends
  • Maintain intimacy (if you have a partner)
  • Visit with a counselor or spiritual director
  • Find a good therapist, join a support group or find a support partner
  • Express your needs and ask for help
  • Report your symptoms to your healthcare team
  • Keep a log of medical visits, save test results and keep receipts

For your there are you can do -- if you experience chemo brain -- to enhance your . It is also important to ensure that you have to maintain a good .    

, practice whatever works for you to honor your belief in and connection to a Higher Power. This will give you the faith and inspiration you need to overcome obstacles in your journey to , and your life after breast cancer treatment.

In essence, coping with recovery requires you to be good to yourself and give yourself permission to:

  • Just say no without allowing yourself to feel guilty
  • Take naps if you’re able to when you’re tired
  • Take a day or evening off and do something enjoyable
  • Ask for help with chores like laundry, housekeeping and driving
  • Avoid being around negative people and situations
  • Celebrate small victories in your recovery and overcoming treatment 
The following resources provide additional information to help you better cope with your recovery:

For more information on coping with recovery, go to . You can share your knowledge and experience with other at or start a discussion in our .

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Breast Cancer Partner Events

September 29, 2012
'Pamper Me Pink' Breast Cancer Event, Floyd County, IN

September 22 – October 28, 2012
Shine Your Light Bright for the Cancer Fight, San Marcos, TX

September 29, 2012
Pink October Velvet Sessions with Bret Michaels, Hard Rock Hotel, Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL

September 30, October 3, 2012
American College of Lifestyle Medicine Conference – “Treating the Cause”, Orlando, FL

September 30, 2012
Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K Race, Washington, D.C.

October 3, 2012
The Beauty of Caring Event, San Francisco, CA

October 11, 2012
Cancer and Careers Online Event Legal & Insurance Issues to Consider

October 13 – 14, 2012
Lance Armstrong Foundation Live Long Run, Walk, Ride Event, Hallandale Beach, FL

October20, 2012
SASS Foundation 18th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Uniondale, NY

October 27 – 30
AACR Cancer Health Disparities Conference, San Diego, CA

November 15, 2012
Cancer and Careers Online Event Re-Entering the Workforce After Short & Long Absences

 

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