Pass the cancer shock

Photo courtesy of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System A diagnosis of breast cancer and the need for a surgical procedure to combat it are devastating.

Discovering that you have breast cancer is difficult enough, but to tell you that you will have breast surgery, what a shock! Breast cancer and surgery can make you feel scared, devastated, confused, angry and in a state of total shock.

At the Gibbs Cancer Research and Management Center, there are many people to help you through this extremely personal journey and provide you with the support, encouragement and information you will need throughout your journey. path.

I am a partner at That Special Look in the Gibbs lobby. This special look is dedicated to serving women who have had a mastectomy. We offer mastectomy bra pads and fashionable outfits dedicated to making women feel beautiful after their cancer treatment.

Here are some facts I learned while working at That Special Look:

Weigh your options

Once a week, all of Gibbs' health and breast cancer staff come together as a team to discuss each new case in depth. This team includes surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, genetics specialists, hematologists, nurses, nurse navigators, directors and more.

Collectively, they create a unique, patient-specific treatment plan. Your doctor will present this plan in its entirety. You can ask your doctor questions and discuss all available options.

We encourage you to take notes and bring someone with you to your appointments for additional support. We also recommend contacting the breast cancer survivor community, communicating frequently with your caregivers, and taking advantage of the support provided by your nurse navigator to make the best possible decision – the one that's right for you. better.

Therapy and support

Your trip may be not only physically and financially difficult but also very emotional. The thought of losing such an intimate part of your body can affect your self-image and esteem. We strongly encourage you to contact a local psychologist.

You should also establish a strong support system with your friends and family during this time. It is very important to communicate your needs and feelings to those you are closest to.

Be good with yourself

With the support and guidance of all staff, you will be the one to decide which option is right for you – whether it is a complete or partial mastectomy, and if you will opt for a reconstruction or if you opt for a breast prosthesis.

Even though surgery may be the right thing to do for your health, it does not mean that the choice is easy to make. Focus on the positive and surround yourself with your support system, and you will be able to come out of the other side of your surgery with as much dignity and self esteem as before the beginning of this trip.

Be good with yourself and love yourself. Breathe deeply and know that we will be there for you every step of the way!

Learn more about That Special Look (www.spartanburgregional.com/care-treatment/cancer/that-special-look-boutique/).

Photo courtesy of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System A diagnosis of breast cancer and the need for a surgical procedure to combat it are devastating.

Ingrid Wilkey is a Patient Account Representative for That Special Look, a shop for cancer patients and survivors located at the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Center.