Finding Support During Chemotherapy

Finding support during chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment can be the most challenging time of your life, but you aren’t alone: here are tips for finding support during chemotherapy. There is nothing quite like hearing a cancer diagnosis. The threat of mortality, the lost possibilities, and a future filled with uncertainty are aspects that no one can ignore. Yet, we constantly see images of the stoic cancer patient in media. These characters that just sit there, somehow totally at peace with their diagnosis, are not something that you have to aspire to be. You are allowed to be scared. You are allowed to be angry. These are all normal emotions that you should feel. However, it is possible to let them consume you, which could harm your chances of reaching a full recovery. The Complications of Chemo Learning to recognize your negative emotions without letting them take over your life is hard enough. Chemotherapy adds …

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What to Expect After a Mastectomy

Life after a mastectomy

Whether your mastectomy is preventative or a response to a positive cancer diagnosis, the honest truth is that this surgery is incredibly hard on most women. Those of us who have watched our mothers, aunts, sisters, etc. undergo a mastectomy already have some idea of how physically and emotionally draining this particular surgery can be. However, a second-hand experience is ultimately removed from the actual experience. In preparation for your procedure, Dr. Darlene M. Miltenburg at Breast Health Institute Austin will have already spoken to you about post-surgical care. What she may not have spoken to you about yet is the mental and emotional toll that this procedure often takes on women, so let us take a few minutes to discuss your physical and your mental health post-mastectomy. The Physical Toll This topic receives a lot of coverage, mostly because many patients appear to initially assume that their surgeon …

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Coping with Chemo: What to Expect and How to Handle it

Bald woman sitting on yoga mat happy

A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience. There’s no denying that simple fact. To do otherwise would ignore everything your body has meant to you. Imminent surgery is already a lot to handle. You will have to decide with your doctor how you want to approach it. You can maintain a level of control in regard to your decision of when or if to have reconstructive surgery; however, when it comes to chemotherapy, control can often seem out of reach. This can make coping with chemotherapy very difficult.

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What Should You Wear After a Mastectomy?

One half of pink bra for those wondering what to wear after a mastectomy

The prospect of a mastectomy is a daunting one. Whether you’re having breast reconstruction simultaneously or not, you’ve already devoted hours of your life to researching the surgical process and talking over your concerns with your breast cancer surgeon in Austin. You’ve made plans for childcare and have someone to drive you home from the hospital, but there is nothing that fully prepares a person for a mastectomy. How do you carry on life after a mastectomy?

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Feeling Beautiful with Breast Cancer

breast cancer surgeon in Austin

A diagnosis of breast cancer means many changes to the body you know and love. Working with your breast cancer surgeon in Austin through each stage of treatment and recovery, you must learn to adjust to new changes in your appearance. Many of these changes will be temporary; some will be permanent. During this time of upheaval, taking time to appreciate your beauty as it is not only comforting but can positively impact your health and well-being.

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You’ve Survived Breast Cancer, Now What?

Once the terror of looming breast cancer finally subsides, it can be difficult to decide what your next move should be. After all, you’ve survived breast cancer and that’s nothing to bat an eye at! All that said, to prevent recurrence and simply feel better, there are a few healthy lifestyle changes anyone can and should make. For more information on living with breast cancer, breast cancer surgery, and seeing a breast cancer specialist in Austin, contact the Breast Institute Austin today. Kick Bad Habits The first step to living better after you’ve survived a brush with breast cancer is to escape any lingering bad habits. If you still smoke, it’s safe to say that it’s time to kick that habit to the curb. If your sweet tooth is out of control, then it’s time to bring that sugar addiction down to more manageable levels. For anyone who doesn’t …

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