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Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. Just at the beginning of all this and it's sort of a headspin. My mother has very recently been diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump. She's had the biopsy to confirm; a 3cm lump, spread to the lymph nodes. We're still waiting on the bone scan to determine stage/whether the cancer has spread anywhere else and I'm feeling really anxious about it all. I know that most statistics are in her favour but I can't help thinking 'stage 4, stage 4, stage 4'over and over again. Would love to hear about people's coping strategies for the early days, especially when this is so new and we're learning as we go. Thanks in advance.
Hi Rosie,
May I recommend the following?
Emotion Focused Coping Plan: Involves trying to reduce the negative emotional responses associated with stress, anxiety, depression and etc. This method is helpful to clear the mind so the individual can think more clearly.
Problem Focused Coping Plan: This method is typically more distracting or proactive in manner. It’s usually used to change aspects about the situation you’re in; this can exact to how you receive support for example.
But you need to find what best works for you, maybe simply speaking and spending time with your mother/family can provide the comfort or distraction your after. Just being involved in the general process can provide comfort. (I use to admire paintings myself, more specifically the expressionism and impressionism fields. It was easy to lose yourself in the wispy reflected tones and playful lighting).
Please let us know, how it goes??