Many would generally assume that the battle with cancer stops after a patient is discharged from the hospital after treatment. Well, the treatment was a success and you can now move on with life just like before, right?
Unfortunately that is not the case and as for patients with breast cancer, adjusting to life after undergoing treatment for breast cancer can be a road with bumps and unexpected turns.
From physical changes to the inability to carry out simple daily tasks like before such as carrying heavy items and so on, it can be challenging for patients to cope with these changes while recovering from treatment at the same time.
For many, the battle with the disease continues but this time, you’re battling with your inner self. The effects and consequences of breast cancer treatment can alter the way you see yourself.
Your value and confidence
How one feels about him or herself defines a person’s self-esteem. For patients with breast cancer, their breast cancer journey can bring many changes to one’s life and impact one’s self-esteem.
Physical changes for example are one major aspect. From hair loss, weight gain to undergoing a mastectomy, knowing that your body is no longer like before can make you feel less attractive. With a low self-esteem, this will affect your mood and the way you see your future. If left unaddressed, you may start avoiding social events, talking to friends and even work.
Many women struggle with this and this will make you feel like you’re the only warrior trying to fight this battle. Thankfully, there are a few strategies (or steps) that can help you win this battle.
To improve your self-esteem as a breast cancer warrior, here are some steps that you can take.
#1 Be surrounded by positive people
The last thing you’ll need on your breast cancer journey is to have friends telling you that you don’t look the same or breast cancer was a result of your wrongdoing. Instead, surround yourself with positive people, family and friends that love and value you for who you are. On top of that, you could also join breast cancer support groups where patients come together to support and motivate each other such as Breast Cancer Survivors and Warriors, a Malaysian support group that can be found on Facebook. The Breast Cancer Welfare Association is also another group which provides peer support to breast cancer warriors.
#2 No need for comparison
We live in a world where comparing yourself to others is a common practice and it is no doubt a bad habit. Don’t compare yourself to others nor compare your ‘new self’ with the version you were before cancer. Doing so will only result in more negativity, with you feeling bad and low about yourself. Don’t listen to your inner voice if it’s critisising you either.
If this thought occurs, pause and realign your thoughts to positive ones such as to know that everyone is unique and that being diagnosed with cancer does not make you any less of a person. You could also ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend who is in my shoes?”
#3 You are good enough
Now, there’s no need to be too tough on yourself. Just because you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, does not make you a weak person. You may feel the need to prove your ability or achieve certain goals in life, especially after going through this traumatic experience.
However, this method of ‘redeeming yourself’ will lead to more physical and psychological stress which at the end of the day, will cause more damage than good to your health. The only person you’ll need to prove to yourself and this can be done by setting realistic goals. Do not listen to what others have to tell you because you are good enough. So, move forward at your own pace and set realistic goals because each achievement will improve your self-esteem.
#4 Celebrate all things
Celebrate all things in life, even the smallest things such as going out with your friends or successfully baking a cake. Knowing that there is so much to look forward to can help you stay positive and break negative thoughts when they occur.
You could also take it a step further and take note of your blessings by writing them in a journal. This also helps to reaffirm yourself about how wonderful your life is especially when the tough gets going. When you’re feeling down, simply flip through the pages and it’ll bring hope and positivity back into your life.
You’re a warrior! Do not allow breast cancer to dampen your self-esteem because you are even better than before. Remember, positive thoughts and hope can move mountains. Never allow your mind to think that you’re less than nothing.
Doing something that you love helps you to feel good about yourself.
#5 Have some ‘Me Time’
It’s easy to get caught up with the demands and expectations of the world that you sometimes forget about what you need as a breast cancer warrior and more importantly, as an individual. From juggling between treatments, follow-ups, catch-up sessions and so on, your days could pass by so quickly and soon, you might find yourself dragging your feet out of bed because you’ve been feeling lousy about yourself.
Doing something that you love helps you to feel good about yourself. Plus, if you’re a little skeptical, do know that there is no need for you to feel guilty about it because you deserve it! So, attend an art class that you’ve always wanted to try or finish up your book. No matter what it is, what’s most important is your decision to make time for yourself because you love yourself.
