The Reality of Living with Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer isn’t just a battle against a physical ailment; it’s a multifaceted challenge that touches every part of a person’s life. From the moment of diagnosis, individuals start a journey that can significantly change their physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, and spiritual outlook.
Today, the prospects for those living with and beyond Breast Cancer are more promising than ever, thanks to advances in medical treatment. Many facing this disease can continue to lead active, fulfilling lives, even while they’re getting treatment. But it’s not easy…
Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can bring a slew of physical side effects, including long-term issues like exhaustion and changes in physical appearance. But the impact doesn’t stop at the physical.
The emotional toll can be heavy too. It’s common to grapple with questions like “Why me?“ and to experience a range of feelings such as anxiety, anger, uncertainty, and grief.
Navigating Body and Emotional Changes
The physical changes that can happen as a result of Breast Cancer treatment can be hard to come to terms with, affecting everything from body image to sex drive. This can lead to deeper emotional struggles, impacting how someone sees themselves and interacts with others.
The Fear of Recurrence
The fear of Breast Cancer returning is a very common concern, particularly in the early years post-treatment. This fear can be so strong that it gets in the way of feeling happy and relieved about being in remission.
This fear can show up in different ways, like being extremely careful about noticing any changes in your health or feeling really vulnerable. It might make it hard to plan for the future or enjoy the present moment, because one’s always worried about what could happen next. Acknowledging this fear is crucial in the healing process, because it not only affects the one’s mental health but can also impact their physical recovery and how they connect with others. This is often when the support someone’s been getting from doctors, friends, and family might start to lessen.
Rethinking Social Life and Relationships
Social connections can also be impacted by Breast Cancer, with some relationships becoming stronger and others getting harder to sustain. Some may form new bonds with individuals going through a similar experience.
Having a supportive network is crucial during this time. Yet, managing the all the different reactions and emotions of friends and family, along with their opinions and concerns, can be daunting. Some people may feel they have to be strong and protect their loved ones as it can be tough to see their fear and sadness.
Spiritual Reflections
For many, the experience of Breast Cancer can bring up big questions about the meaning of life when facing their own mortality, and what life will look like if they make it through this. It’s a time when people often look closely at their spiritual beliefs. Facing this kind of health scare can make them rethink what they believe and what their life’s purpose is. Even if they have strong religious beliefs, they might find themselves doubting or feeling resentment towards a God that let them down.
A Grounded Approach to Breast Cancer with Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy, with its emphasis on looking at the person as a whole, offers a grounded approach to deal with the challenges of Breast Cancer. It’s not about miracle cures or big promises but about providing real, practical support to the body, mind and spirit during such a challenging and scary time.
Yes, Yoga Therapy offers infinite physical practices, but what happens in a session can vary a lot depending on where someone is in their Breast Cancer journey. Oftentimes, a session might include very few light, modified movements and breathing practices, focusing more on the gentler aspects, offering a compassionate space for someone to share and reconnect with their whole selves.
For those facing Breast Cancer, working with a Yoga Therapist alongside their conventional treatments can offer a simple way to practice self-compassion, emotional resilience, and even gratitude.
If you’re wanting to learn more about the wider impacts of Breast Cancer and support those on their journey, consider joining our Yoga Therapy Care for Breast Cancer Short Course.
