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How to stay positive after diagnosis of second primary?

Page last modified on: May 27, 2009

Question from Karen: When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago, I did all I could to stay positive and to move forward. Now I have a second primary breast cancer and have to go through everything all over again. But this time I can't seem to move forward into a positive space. I feel that I will never be able to move forward again. What advice do you have for people like me?: Answers —Mitch Golant, Ph.D.: After a second primary, the experience that your body is out of control is terrifying. You're also sharing a level of despair and yet, as both of us have shared, more and more cancer is being viewed as a chronic illness -- that we may have multiple cancers that are treatable. It's important, as we've said earlier, that treatment of cancer is not just about the biology. It includes the psychology, the emotions, getting support, and seeing a therapist or clergy to address the emotions associated with the new primary is as important as the treatment.; Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: It's been my experience that we do not have an unlimited capacity to cope. It could be that all of the optimism during the first experience has worn you out. It's sort of like running on empty. Being less optimistic may make this feel more difficult, but it doesn't mean it will be less successful. The success rate with breast cancer is enormous, whether you're optimistic or pessimistic; it just makes it harder. As you recovered from the first, even though it may be harder and more daunting, you will recover from this one.

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.