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Cheer up worried and depressed mom?

Page last modified on: October 8, 2008
Question from maryam: My mom is 70 and just had breast cancer surgery. Now she is so depressed and is worried that maybe I will get breast cancer as well (I am 40). What is the best way for us to make her a little happy?
Answers —Lidia Schapira, M.D.: Help your mother understand the facts. Perhaps the best way is to accompany her to see her oncologist at the time of her next scheduled visit, and ask that question of the doctor. Have your mother's oncologist address the question of your risk. This may reassure her and lessen some of her guilt.
Jennifer Armstrong, M.D.: If your mom seems to be experiencing depression or anxiety concerning her diagnosis or its impact on the family, there may be some additional issues that could be explored with either her oncologist, primary care physician or therapist, to alleviate some of her feelings.

On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Coping with Your Changing Feelings and Relationships. Lidia Schapira, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. answered your questions about facing your fears head-on, handling moodiness and depression, diffusing tension with your partner and feeling close without sexual activity, as well as issues of self-image and femininity.

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

Lidia Schapira, M.DLidia Schapira, M.D. is a medical oncologist at the Gillette Center for Breast Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Jennifer Armstrong, M.D.Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. is a breast cancer oncologist at Paoli Hematology-Oncology Associates in Paoli, Pa., with a special interest in physicians' communication skills.

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