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Necessary to be strong for mom?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from Vanessa783: I cry all the time 'cause my mom has cancer and she won't cry at all, so it makes it real hard. Am I supposed to be strong in front of her? I don't know what to do.
Answer —David Spiegel, Ph.D.: I'd say be true to yourself. Your mom has her way of dealing with it and you have yours. I don't know why your mom is doing it but even if she is in an emotional straightjacket, you don't have to be.

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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