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RobinP · 03-28-2006, 05:42 AM

I think it is normal to feel depressed after a bc diagnosis, especially as treatment options end and the reality of bc sets in along with the things that have changed because of bc., ig, loss of sexual parts-breast, chemo-induced menopause, knowing the fragility of life and life as you once knew it more simply and carefree etc.I bet not a single person here has not struggled with coping on some level or another following their bc diagnosis.

However, I guess the key to successful coping is suggested above. That is incorporating the new you into your life and setting new goals and expectations for yourself. Keep your chin up. I hope this new chapter of your life, with finishing treatment, will bring you hope and happiness.

Online support will aid in your coping as well; see link below...
Emotional Benefits From Online Support Groups

Women with breast cancer who participate in computer support groups can obtain emotional benefits when they openly express themselves in ways that help them make sense of their cancer experience, as per a new study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research (CECCR).

"Even though there are a number of women with breast cancer participating in online support groups, this is among the first research studies to demonstrate measurable benefits from participation in such groups," says Bret Shaw, lead author of the study, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The analysis was conducted on message transcripts from 66 breast cancer patients participating in an online support group member that was integrated with the "Living with Breast Cancer" program, a computer-based health education and support system. The patients were recruited from Madison, Chicago and Indianapolis.

Text messages within the computer-mediated support groups were analyzed using a text analysis program, which measured the percentage of words that were suggestive of learning or understanding (e.g., aware, feels, know, realize, see, think and understand). A higher percentage of these insightful words were associated with improved emotional well-being and reduced negative mood in follow-up surveys.........

03-28-2006, 05:42 AM	#6
RobinP Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 943	I think it is normal to feel depressed after a bc diagnosis, especially as treatment options end and the reality of bc sets in along with the things that have changed because of bc., ig, loss of sexual parts-breast, chemo-induced menopause, knowing the fragility of life and life as you once knew it more simply and carefree etc.I bet not a single person here has not struggled with coping on some level or another following their bc diagnosis. However, I guess the key to successful coping is suggested above. That is incorporating the new you into your life and setting new goals and expectations for yourself. Keep your chin up. I hope this new chapter of your life, with finishing treatment, will bring you hope and happiness. Online support will aid in your coping as well; see link below... Emotional Benefits From Online Support Groups Women with breast cancer who participate in computer support groups can obtain emotional benefits when they openly express themselves in ways that help them make sense of their cancer experience, as per a new study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research (CECCR). "Even though there are a number of women with breast cancer participating in online support groups, this is among the first research studies to demonstrate measurable benefits from participation in such groups," says Bret Shaw, lead author of the study, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The analysis was conducted on message transcripts from 66 breast cancer patients participating in an online support group member that was integrated with the "Living with Breast Cancer" program, a computer-based health education and support system. The patients were recruited from Madison, Chicago and Indianapolis. Text messages within the computer-mediated support groups were analyzed using a text analysis program, which measured the percentage of words that were suggestive of learning or understanding (e.g., aware, feels, know, realize, see, think and understand). A higher percentage of these insightful words were associated with improved emotional well-being and reduced negative mood in follow-up surveys......... __________________ Robin 2002- dx her2 positive DCIS/bc TX Mast, herceptin chemo Last edited by RobinP; 03-28-2006 at 09:05 AM..