Survivorship

To help researchers find better ways to prevent, detect, treat and cure breast cancer, as well as provide improved quality of care and survivorship outcomes, it’s important to understand research and participate in research initiatives.

RESEARCH

Cancer research can help us understand how cancer starts, how it grows and how it spreads (metastasizes). It takes place in the lab where the focus all about how the cells functions in the human body so that we can have a better understanding on the differences between normal, healthy cells and cancer cells.  In terms of cancer research, the goal is to find a cure to end cancer once and for all.  Research, clinical trials and emerging treatments are particularly important to healthcare providers, as their main objective is to identify, diagnose and treat diseases through medication, procedures, surgery and/or therapy or more specifically to breast cancer – surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy.

However, we all know that each and every body comes in different shapes, ages and sizes and if we only look through a standardized lens, some treatment protocols may be over looked. As we work to find a cure, it is also important to study how to improve patients’ quality of life and their quality of care during and after breast cancer.  Survivorship is still an area that can benefit from research and programmatic efforts.  While we celebrate being declared cancer-free, it is important to study the lifestyle, psycho-social, family, emotional and mental needs of the patient going forward.  Further, those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, can’t get busy living unless they have a good quality of life, supported by more navigational tools and support.

A holistic approach to research is important – one that includes the cure and survivorship, so that we marry and balance the knowledge we gain in the lab with lives and stories of real life people who have experienced breast cancer. In this way, we can empower all those affected by this disease, through the entire lifecycle, and bring light to millions of people who hear the words “you have cancer”, so they know they are not alone.

While it is meaningful to take care of someone with breast cancer, it can be tough emotionally to care for someone you love, living with a disease.  You may experience sadness, grief, fear and overwhelm.  It is important to make sure you take care of yourself – manage your stress level, physical and mental health.  If you find yourself getting sad and/or depressed, talk to friends, family or a professional. Make sure to take time to keep your life as normal as possible – get exercise, eat healthy, get spiritual support and take the time to engage in activities that bring you joy.  Also, know what you can and can’t do, and reach out to others for support.

The support systems that you have will help you in your survivorship. Your parents, your spouse or significant other, your friends and your children can all play a significant part in your survivorship. Their emotional and physical help will allow you to heal. Each member of your support group can help in a different way, and each member needs his or her own help as well. Achieving this balance allows you and your support system to survive and thrive post-cancer.

Spouse/significant other

When your spouse or significant other is diagnosed with cancer, it can be incredibly difficult. Your relationship may become strained under the stress of illness, or it may become stronger. The key to ensuring that you demonstrate love and support your spouse or significant other is to clearly communicate your feelings; this may be verbally, through a letter, or by doing things for your spouse or significant other. Also, you may have challenges as your spouse may have physical changes as a result of her treatment about which she may feel very insecure. You can assure your spouse that you love her for her, not for her physical attributes.

Make sure that your spouse shows signs of coping and that she is not depressed or losing hope. You may want to suggest other people or support systems to help her process her feelings and emotions after cancer. Also, be prepared that the recovery process may be slow and your spouse or significant other may be slow to return to the way she was before the cancer diagnosis. In addition, help your spouse or significant other; help with daily chores, children, or other responsibilities. It is not an easy situation, but you can make a difference in providing support for her as she heals.

Children

Your child or children may not always understand your illness and recovery. The best way to keep your children happy and free from worry is through clear communication. Your children do not need to know the minutiae of every doctor’s visit; however, keeping them informed of your progress and welcoming the chance for them to ask questions will make them feel comfortable and informed. Also, ensure that you communicate or explain if you cannot spend time with them or are unable to attend any events with them, so that they don’t feel slighted.

Friends

It is very difficult to watch a friend battle breast cancer. Often, just being there for your friend to listen is incredibly meaningful. Not to judge, give advice, but just to listen. Also, you can help your friend by assisting with any errands or obligations that she may not be able to do, such as grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, or watching children. Being there for her when she wants to talk, or keeping her company is valuable as well. Having a friend go through this experience may cause you stress and worry as well, so be sure to take care of yourself too.

Parents who are caregivers

Parents who are caregivers may have to take on a significant amount of responsibility. Not only do parents ensure that the physical and medical needs of the cancer survivor have been taken care of, but the parents often must be the decision makers for the cancer survivor. Also, they may have had to take care of the insurance claims and payments for the person. They might have had to take care of the cooking, cleaning and errands for the person, as well as taking the person to the doctor. All of this can be exhausting, emotionally draining and time consuming. Although it may be difficult, parents need to ensure that they are taking care of themselves too, both physically and emotionally. Only by being grounded and balanced will parents be able to effectively take care of their needs as well as their child’s needs.

Support groups for you

Another way to find support outside of your spouse or family is to join a support group. Support groups can either serve as an educational platform, where you can seek out answers to questions that you may have during or post-treatment; or a support group can serve to support you emotionally, surrounding yourself with others who may have had similar experiences.  The frequency of the meetings and the location of the meetings can vary from group to group; some may meet monthly or weekly; others may meet at a church or synagogue, or at a member’s home.

Another option is to join an online support group. The advantage to this type of group is that you can benefit from the support of others virtually. If travel, distance, or time is an issue, joining an online support group or discussion board is a great alternative. There are also telephone support groups as well.

Visit our Educational Guidebooks page, where you will find our Caregiver Guidebook, for more detailed information.

Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments are prescribed by your doctor to treat and hopefully eliminate the cancer in your body. However, these treatments only treat one or a limited part of you and often overlook the rest of you.

Holistic and integrated health strives to address the whole person, not just the cancerous part of you. This approach takes into consideration your emotions, thoughts, feelings, as well as your whole body. Also, proactively finding supplemental holistic or integrated health approaches may help you feel better in that you are taking an active role in trying to recover. Please do note that these are supplementary treatments to your cancer treatment or can be used post-cancer. You may want to ask your doctor about these treatments, or see what he or she may suggest in relation to your specific needs.

There are several holistic and integrated health treatments that are available: acupuncture, aromatherapy, exercise, hypnosis, massage, meditation, music therapy, relaxation techniques, tai chi and yoga.

• Acupuncture involves using small needles at specific points; it is used to relieve nausea and sometimes pain.
• Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant oils for relaxation, or to minimize nausea and pain. Oils can be used in a massage, a bath, or dispersed in the air.
• Exercise can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and help you sleep well. Hypnosis is also an option, where a therapist can use hypnosis to help you manage your pain, your stress, or encourage relaxation.
• Massage can promote relaxation and minimize stress.
• Meditation and controlled or deep breathing may help you by focusing your mind and alleviating stress.
• Music therapy is where a therapist may sing with you or play instruments; this is helpful in minimizing pain and nausea. Relaxation techniques, taught by a therapist, may help you relax and sleep well.
• Tai chi is a stress-relieving exercise that involves deep breathing and slow movements.
• Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and improve your quality of sleep.

Nutrition and diet, combined with a consistent exercise regimen will make you feel and look better, and will help your body recover. Try to eat a whole grain diet, plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid excess sugar and fried or processed foods. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary beverages.

Watch your alcohol intake, as above-average levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cancer as well as a host of other health issues. You should avoid smoking, as that can also cause a myriad of health problems, from emphysema to lung cancer.