Caring for the whole person, not just the cancer diagnosis

Each person handles a cancer diagnosis differently, but the physicians and team members at TidalHealth will educate and include you every step of the way. 

“Uncertainty is scary,” said Nicholas Dudas, MD, FACS, medical director for surgical specialties at TidalHealth. “Your mind can make it sound worse than it is. We empower patients with all the information we have and make decisions together.”

Even if you find you have early-stage cancer and your prognosis is excellent, just the thought of having cancer can send even the most grounded person spinning. 

“Just the word ‘cancer’ causes anxiety,” said Alae Zarif, MD, a TidalHealth surgeon. 

There is the initial shock, then racing thoughts and all of the decisions that need to be made — it can feel overwhelming. Each step along the way can bring you closer to healing but can leave you feeling fearful and anxious at the same time. You may run what-if scenarios through your head, worry about missing time from work, and have concerns about immediate family members, especially if you are a caregiver. At the same time, you may also have feelings of sadness or loneliness.

These types of feelings are normal, and Dr. Zarif reminds patients that the care team has seen it all before and you can rely on them to help you through. 

“You should trust your surgeon and your care team,” he said.

You should expect clear and consistent communication, which can also help to alleviate fear and uncertainty.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that cancer treatment can have physical side effects for about 50% of patients. It can leave patients feeling fatigued and tired or can cause brain fog that patients sometimes refer to as “chemo brain.” There can also be general joint and muscle pain or pain from surgery that will be short term as you heal. Long-term, some treatments may also thin bones, which can lead to osteoporosis. This could make you more at risk of being unsteady on your feet or falls.

The mental and physical toll of breast cancer is very real, as it is with any health issue. There will be times when you need help, whether it’s with picking up groceries or just needing someone to talk to. 

According to Sharnell Smith, MD, a TidalHealth surgeon, this is a time when your family and friends become an important part of your support system. Often, friends and family don’t know what to do to help, so this is when you need to be specific. Ask for help when you need it. Having a friend do a load of laundry or making a casserole you can eat or freeze for a few meals is a small blessing. People who love you always want to help.

There are also structured programs in our community that can assist. Women Supporting Women is a Salisbury-based nonprofit that offers education and support to those impacted by breast cancer. Their tote bag goes to every patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer and contains information on coping with cancer as well as details for their many support groups in Salisbury, Berlin, Easton, Cambridge, Crisfield, and in Parksley, Virginia. Executive Director Jocelyn Feist said the organization's website has a lot of information, and it is kept up to date for anyone looking for support.

David Sechler, MD, FACS, medical director of the TidalHealth Breast Center, explained that there is also a virtual option for support. There are specific closed social media groups just for breast cancer patients. In these groups, patients can reach out to other patients for guidance and support, suggestions on coping, and learning from the experience of others. These are often a popular option because they are available at your fingertips on your phone whenever you have a question.

Don’t let the feelings or symptoms you have overwhelm you. There are many who can support you in your breast cancer journey.