Real Thoughts That Cross A Breast Cancer Patient’s Mind
The emotions that come along with a cancer diagnosis can be a rollercoaster. A common feeling that many breast cancer patients experience is fear.
During Breast Cancer Awareness month we want to share this story demonstrating the emotions and real reactions to the fear that can be brought upon someone after a breast cancer diagnosis, and what you can do to face cancer fearlessly.
Breast cancer: ‘Nothing prepares you for that fear’
Source: bbc.com
A breast cancer patient has spoken of the “emotional freefall” of her diagnosis as she prepares to take part in a charity fashion show.
Beverley Nash, 55, of Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, completed treatment in March 2016 but said “fear of recurrence never leaves you, it just becomes less raw”.
She added: “Nothing prepares you for that fear; it’s terrifying.”
She will join 31 other survivors and patients in The Show in aid of Breast Cancer Care.
Mrs Nash said she first noticed a “puckering” on her left breast in June 2015.
Her GP discovered a lump and she was diagnosed with breast cancer the following month.
“I thought ‘I’m 50 and I’m going to die’,” she said.
“Describing it as a rollercoaster implies there are ups; there are no ups at this time. it takes a while to find your footing with the situation – but you do.
“Mine is a common reaction. The hugest of rugs was pulled from under my feet.”
She describes the weeks after diagnosis as “the darkest of times” and “like hanging off an out-of-control speedboat”.
Mrs Nash had a lumpectomy on 19 August 2015, the day after her 51st birthday. Six rounds of chemotherapy followed.
She has spent the last three years in “the final stage of treatment”, taking Tamoxifen, and “getting my life back together”.
Sarah Hemsted, of Breast Cancer Care, said The Show proved patients could “still look and feel amazing after a life-changing experience”.
She said: “We find people often struggle with body confidence after surgery and through their treatment, whether it’s a mastectomy or reconstruction, or hair loss and body changes.”
Mrs Nash said her friends and family were “instrumental and walked every step” with her towards her recovery.
She created a board of notes, poems and photos of her loved ones on her dressing table, allowing her to “wake up to a shot of positivity”.
“I have more empathy now and know how precious life is,” she said.
What really stands out in this story is the toll the fear of cancer can have on you. At SURVIVEiT, our vision is a world free from the fear of cancer, and we’re working towards that vision by empowering you to define your journey and face cancer on your own terms.
People often feel fear when they have no control of a situation and don’t know what lies ahead of them. This fear of the unknown can be powerful. That’s why we want to provide you with breast cancer resources so you can help drive your cancer experience.
These resources can empower you to ask your oncologist important questions about your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategy as well as information about molecular profiling and more.
Recently diagnosed with breast cancer? Visit our Start Here Guide.