About the diagnosis of breast cancer, the doctor said "This is not an easy time" with a modesty which leaves emerge the weight of a responsibility. The patient said "It's an earthquake" to his denial of reality no less overwhelming.
An announcement always difficult
It's an earthquake, shock, incomprehension and rejection. Suddenly everything is mixed. Firstly because of the word cancer itself, synonymous with death for most patients. This is far from being the case (but the ideas about cancer are stubborn).
The consequences of this revelation are always very traumatic for the patient. Suddenly endorse the status of patient is not easy. Fear swept. The revolt and anxiety too. In a few moments, life is shattered, the usual landmarks disappear. The patient is overwhelmed by the unimaginable.
The announcement of cancer, always difficult, is made in a face to face in which all ingredients are combined misunderstanding: doctor later, the difficulty of finding "the right words," lack of time, breaks maintenance; later patient, disorder, emotional or intellectual obfuscation.
An entry in a new world
In this situation, the doctor was master of the game There is probably no good way to make this announcement but there are less bad than others.
The physician should take all his time for this crucial time: the time to reassure, explain, provide details, answer all questions in clear terms. You feel less vulnerable when it includes evil.
In this case, the accompaniment of a loved one, allows a better development of the interview.
Sometimes the dialogue is missed initially. Many women complain that they feel misunderstood and terribly alone in leaving this first interview, which marks their entry into the world of cancer. A world totally unknown until it is healthy.
Immediately afterwards, just the thought of treating cancer. A dive into the unknown which creates a grave anxiety. The quality of life so dependent on personal moral resources of the patient and listening to those around him will.
The patient must perform intense mental work. The attitude of the family is crucial. It is important that the affected person feels heard, understood, pampered, helped to assimilate the bad news. It is a long process which requires much energy and love.
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