Home → Symptoms & Diagnosis → Understanding Breast Cancer → Managing Breast Cancer Fears → Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Managing Breast Cancer Fears → April 2009: Managing Fear and Anxiety → Mood swings normal around diagnosis and treatment?

Mood swings around diagnosis and treatment normal?

Page last modified on: May 27, 2009

Question from Marissa: My feelings about my diagnosis and upcoming treatment seem to be all over the place: sometimes I feel strong; other times I feel like crying as I am overwhelmed. Is this normal?: Answers —Mitch Golant, Ph.D.: Yes!; Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: Women often describe dealing with the whole process like being on a roller coaster. Monday, you're positive, you can do it, it's not a big deal. Then Tuesday, you're under the covers, feeling overwhelmed, unable to face the world. The highs are very high, the lows very low. Just when you think you have your emotions under control, the roller coaster starts again. This generally calms down in the middle of treatment, because women concentrate on the details of treatment. The roller coaster starts again when treatment is over.; Mitch Golant, Ph.D.: The really interesting part about the question, at least to me, is the question of what's normal. As Roz is pointing out, the experience you're describing is so profoundly similar to many, many others. It underscores the value of being with others. Even this Web site, www.Breastcancer.org, is a chance to be with others who understand what you're going through. [Connect with others on the Breastcancer.org Discussion Boards.] And there are many forums, support groups, and educational programs that talk about the treatment. Cancer isn't just about the biology; it is also about the psychology. Good treatment includes both -- managing the emotions, which are all normal, all well within the range of human experience, especially with a diagnosis of cancer.; Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: What I've noticed, particularly with the treatment of breast cancer, is that the emotional effect is often more difficult to manage than the physical.; Mitch Golant, Ph.D.: Roz, I think your point is that breast cancer is so linked to stigma, physical changes, attraction, sexuality, intimacy. These emotions are so present as treatment progresses, and yet the outcomes are often so positive. No wonder you'd be on a roller coaster.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2009, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Fear and Anxiety. Mitch Golant, Ph.D. and Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. answered your questions about dealing with fear and reducing the stresses that can accompany breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Mitch Golant, Ph.D. is a health psychologist and senior vice president of research and development for the national office of The Wellness Community, which provides free psychological and emotional support to help people with cancer on their path to recovery. His research focuses on the benefits of online and community support groups for women with breast cancer.

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.