Always keep the goal of the treatment in mind. It will make living through it easier.

Do what you can to keep a realistically optimistic attitude (which we refer to as a "positive attitude"). (See "To Learn More.")

The emotions that surface when side effects first appear tend to lessen and go away over time - even if the side effect continues. For instance, there is generally a major emotional let down for the first few days when hair starts to fall out. It generally eases as treatment proceeds.

Studies show that people who have multiple sources of support do better than people who are more isolated.

• Share your emotions. 
• Watch for depression. 
• Studies show that people who have multiple sources of support do better than those who are more isolated.
  • Look for support among people close to you. 
  • Make contact with a cancer buddy - someone who is going through what you are going through or who went through it recently.
  • Consider joining a breast cancer support group or a self help group of other people going through a similar experience. (Some people join such groups just for the helpful practical information they learn.)

Keep in mind that people who love you, love you for who you are and what is inside of you, not for your physical appearance.

Think about getting a pet if you don't have one. It doesn't have to be a cat or dog to have a positive effect. (To learn more, see Pets 101).

Look for humor on a daily basis.

Consider seeking professional counseling if you're getting stuck in a down mode or feeling overwhelmed. 

It helps to know what to expect during a treatment, including potential side effects.

• The doctor in charge of administering the treatment can tell you about the side effects that usually accompany your treatment. 
• As you will see in Managing Your Medical Care, there are techniques for reducing the effect of each possible side effect.

When waiting for test results, there are time tested ideas that can help you get through the waiting period. For instance:

• Keep busy.
• Take advantage of your support systems.
• If you need help sleeping, get it. (For information about sleep, click here).
• Use relaxation techniques. For example, deep breathing, visualization or meditation.  
• Exercise.

Do not be surprised if you have anticipatory stress before treatment which makes it difficult to work, pay attention to others, or even eat. There are proven techniques for dealing with stress.

If things seem bleak at any given point, keep in mind that there is no such thing as false hope. At least one person survives every illness. That person could just as easily be you as someone else

Toward the end of treatment:

• Think about rewarding yourself (and your spouse/partner) when treatment ends. For instance, plan a trip away from home - or even two trips. If two trips, the first one should be a short trip just to get away and chill out while your body and mind absorb what you've been through. Then in a few months when you're feeling stronger, a longer trip, perhaps further away. (Make proper preparations before travel so assure your health isn't affected. The document in "To Learn More" shows you how to prepare and travel safely).
• Consider creating a ritual to celebrate the end of treatment. You probably won't feel much better physically than you do as treatment nears the end, but don't let that stop you. Experience indicates that planning a ritual and looking forward to it will help get you through the end of treatment.
• Make your first follow-up appointment as early as your doctor recommends. You are likely to experience depression from the withdrawal of the treatment family. Seeing your doctor again can help provide reassurance. (To learn more about medical care, see: In Treatment For Breast Cancer: Managing Your Medical Care

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