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AFTER TREATMENT > Emotional, social and spiritual issues
EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL ISSUES
After your breast cancer treatment is complete, you may have emotional, social and spiritual needs that still need to be addressed. You may experience mixed feelings about treatment ending or emotional ups and downs as you adjust to life after treatment.
As each person is different, there is no right way to feel or to approach emotional, social or spiritual issues you have after your treatment is finished. It is not uncommon for breast cancer patients to wait until after their treatment is complete to seek counselling or support services, due to time constraints, fatigue or difficulty concentrating while in treatment. Some breast cancer patients seek counselling or support services while in treatment, and others never seek counselling or formal support services at all.
After your treatment is complete, you may experience emotional, social and spiritual issues related to the following:
- Fear of recurrence
- Sadness or depression
- A spiritual crisis, questions about life and death, or a new understanding of your faith
- Dealing with questions and reactions from acquaintances, neighbours or co-workers
- Challenges in renegotiating relationships with friends and family as you move into functioning more independently again
It is important to know that you do not have to face these challenges on your own. It may be helpful to share your feelings and concerns with people who are supportive listeners.
You can also speak to your doctor or another member of your health care team for referrals to social workers, psychologists, counsellors and other appropriate resources. Some people seek counselling from supportive care services at the cancer centre or hospital where they received their treatment. If you are a member of a faith community, you may choose to seek support from other members of this community.
Another option to consider is joining a breast cancer support group. These groups are usually made up of a group of women who have all experienced breast cancer and who meet regularly to talk. There are breast cancer support groups in almost every region, and there are also groups that meet by phone or on-line.
You can find out what support groups are available in your area by asking a member of your health care team or contacting Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada at 1-888-778-3100 or support@willow.org. The Canadian Breast Cancer Network also lists breast cancer support groups on their website.
Telephone-based peer support is also available through Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada (1-888-778-3100) and the Canadian Cancer Society Peer Support Program (1-800-263-6750).
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