When most people hear that a woman is “Breast Cancer Free”, they hear it as it is; that the cancer has lost the battle in this particular scenario and the individual in question can carry on with life as before. However, this might not necessarily be the case. Cancer in any shape or form has long lasting side effects, physically and emotionally. And these side effects are not only felt by the individual who went through the ordeal and overcame the illness, but also their family and friends who were part of their journey through cancer. And just because the individual in question has been declared cancer-free, it does not mean that the responsibility of the “Support System” ends there. The long-term effects of breast cancer are not very well known by the mass of the population, one of the major reasons being lack of awareness. We are bombarded by information like What is Cancer? How can we reduce the risks of cancer? The causes, the tests, the treatment, the success stories, the statistics, and not to forget the celebrity breast cancer magazine features. But no one really talks about what happens to an individual post cancer: How do they cope with life after such a long break? The fatigue and feeling of losing one of the most celebrated part of a woman's body. The financial chaos and the constant struggle to walk around as 'The Strong Woman', who overcame breast cancer. We all fail to understand the simple fact that after the battle with cancer is when the real battle of life begins. The emotional long term effects of breast cancer are just as damaging as the physical effects. Most individuals tend to experience anxiety, depression, difficulty in concentration (on simple tasks in life) and undergo an emotional roller-coaster ride varying from utter defeatist mood to the ultimate victorious peak of moods, because they have now travelled to the nadir and back via cancer. The closest members surrounding a breast cancer free individual are the main people who can ensure that the transition into life after cancer is as normal and easy as possible. How can we as the 'Support System' assist in making the transition into mundane life better? 1. Open Communication – Most individuals do not want to discuss about their feelings and thoughts regarding moments of weakness. They repress the memory and any negative thoughts about cancer, their fears of a relapse or the various levels of emotional collapse they felt. As family and friends, we need to ensure that communication is kept active and such feelings are discussed and given its due importance. 2. Gain Knowledge – Ensure that adequate information is available on hand from the right professionals regarding the long-term emotional and psychological effects of breast cancer and steps to take to sustain a healthy and balanced lifestyle and self-management. As family and friends, knowledge is indeed power when it comes to supporting the individual with their journey back into normal life. 3. Maintain Consistent Medical Support – Ensure that the line of communication with the assigned doctor is kept active. Such that any shifts in mood or emotional state can be addressed and adequate solutions are gained. 4. Develop A Positive Physical Outlook – Self-Esteem could be adversely affected due to negative body-image and the individual may feel that they are no longer attractive to their partner. The family, especially the spouse, needs to reassure their partner that despite the individual feeling that the dynamic of their relationship has changed from that of a lover to a caretaker, the physical attractiveness still prevails. To confirm this ensure that activities such as date nights, romantic getaways are still prioritized over other everyday activities. 5. Understand the difference between unhappiness and depression – In most cases, we fail to understand that there is a distinct difference between being sad due to going through the ordeal of cancer and the continued state of helplessness, worthlessness, guilt and emptiness. As the immediate support system, we need to be observant and bring it to the attention of the doctor so that such prolonged moods be directed to counselling. 6. Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – It is not just war-veterans or soldiers who suffer from PTSD. Any individual, who has been through a life-threatening situation can experience PTSD. It has a direct impact on a person’s ability to cope with everyday life. It is important to ensure that the individual gets adequate sleep and exercise, is following a healthy diet and is not depended on alcohol or drugs to cope. Assist the individual in managing their stress levels as effectively as possible. Women, in today’s world, as you may have seen several examples in your life tend to be quite independent and refrain from seeking assistance or help unless absolutely desperate for it. As her family and friends who supported her during the cancer phase, we should continue to do so even after. It is not right to believe that since the individual is now cancer-free, the support system in place can be dismantled. In fact it is post-cancer that the individual understands the impact of a support system that’s dominated by friends and family, who love and adore her enough to have let cancer be a part of their everyday life and reassures her that life is indeed worth surviving cancer for. Dedicated to all the women in my life who taught me what strength of character truly means....And to all of my family members and friends who taught me what unconditional love truly means.... Thank You !
With sincere gratitude,
From the mind of Nive Prem
