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Why does it take longer for some to bounce back?

Page last modified on: May 27, 2009

Question from Tia: Why do some women bounce right back within months and others like myself still can't function after 3 years? I get a lot of advice on that subject and it's more hurtful than helpful.: Answers —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: It's an individual situation. It would probably be helpful to get individual counseling, where you get help on how to cope with the situation and not just advice from others who don't understand what you're going through.; Mitch Golant, Ph.D.: What Roz is really talking about is somehow protecting you from blaming yourself because this is still stressful for you.; Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: Another thing I'd like to add is that cancer has a different meaning for all of us. Clearly, the meaning it has for you is different than for other people. It's actually different for everybody. And the job ahead is to understand what it means to you, which will give you information about how to cope with it.

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.