Coping with Your Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with cancer is difficult for anyone. It is natural to have fears about what is happening to your body and what your new "normal" will look and feel like.

After surgery, especially for mastectomy patients, the anticipation of what to expect when your dressings are removed can be overwhelming. Looking at your scar can be a difficult first step. Some women feel best taking this first step at home. This is a very personal decision. You might want to be alone or need a family member or close friend to support you. For the first look, it may be easier to look down at it rather than look at yourself in a mirror.

Below is a list of reputable online resources that can help with coping with breast cancer:

Helpful Patient Resources

National Cancer Institute

www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping