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What do the emotional stages include?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from fighter: How many emotional stages are there in dealing with this? Anger? Guilt? What else?
Answers —David Spiegel, Ph.D.: There's no sort of lockstep path down which people invariably tread, but usually there is initially disbelief and tremendous fear and then some people get angry and some get sad. There are other emotions as well but I think there is no sort of one course that everyone goes through. One thing to keep in mind is that we don't control emotions. They happen to us. Many people think that if they are controlling their emotions about the cancer, they are controlling the cancer and that's not true.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: What do women do when their emotions get really out of control? Like when anger turns to rage?
David Spiegel, Ph.D.: I think it depends. It is not a good thing and I think you can inflict lots of wear and tear on family and friends if you lose it too much. I have seen a lot of patients who say they are angry and look sad. That is one emotion that can be dangerous. Get help if you can't modulate your rage about the disease.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2000, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Feelings about Breast Cancer. David Spiegel, Ph.D. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the emotional effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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

David Spiegel, Ph.D.David Spiegel, Ph.D. is professor and associate chairman of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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