Whether you’ve just received a new diagnosis or been part of this community for a while now, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions throughout your experience with breast cancer: fear, confusion, uncertainty, grief but even sometimes relief, gratitude and hope.
Today’s Wednesday Wellness check in focuses on how we can respect and acknowledge the challenging feelings, whilst simulateously keeping space available for the good stuff. Here are a few gentle tips to help you steady yourself as you navigate this journey full of ups and downs;
🚶♀️➡️1. Take it one step at a time
You don’t need to understand or do everything right away. Give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and absorb information at your own pace. Once you've done that, tackle each task, each phone call, and each day one at a time. It's okay that you might not know what tomorrow looks like, you've got today handled.
📝 2. Write down questions as they come
Your mind may feel full right now. Keeping a list of your healthcare questions helps you feel more in control and ensures your concerns can be heard at future appointments, no matter when you think of them. Did you know you can store all these thoughts, appointment notes and more in BCNA's My Journey Notes? Comment below "learn more about notes" and we'll help you utilise these!
🤝 3. This is your journey, don't be afraid to seek support, your way.
Support doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s completely okay. You get to choose what feels safe and helpful right now. For some, it’s leaning on a close friend or family member. For others, it’s joining an online community of others on a similar path who can relate. You might find comfort in one of our community groups, or you may prefer guidance from professionals like your healthcare team. What matters most is reaching out, however and whenever feels right for you to bring clarity, connection, and a sense of steady ground on days that feel uncertain and scary.
📚 4. Learn from reliable sources, but don't go overboard!
It’s completely natural to want to understand everything about your diagnosis and what to do as soon as possible. But in the age of endless information at our fingertips, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, or even misled. Try to focus on sources that are evidence‑based, relevant to your situation, and aligned with your healthcare teams guidance. BCNA's Information & Resources hub is filled with useful articles, tips & advice. Comment below if there's a topic you're interested in that we haven't covered yet!
❤️ 5. Be kind to yourself
Give yourself grace as you navigate these feelings and days where you might not be able to do as much as you used to. You’re learning, adjusting, processing, and that takes real time and energy. It is not something anybody can do overnight, or perdict and prepare for. Allow yourself to celebrate even the smallest victories: attending an appointment, asking a scary question, taking a moment to rest, or sometimes simply getting through the day. Your feelings are valid, and your body and mind deserve compassion. Treat yourself gently and honour how you’re feeling as you find your footing in this new chapter.
We hope these tips are helpful and have found you at a time when you need them most. Don't forget the Helpline is here for you on 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 📞
