by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

Two fears often define breast cancer. One comes with the initial diagnosis and the other hovers in the background. This second fear if of the possibility of recurrance and will be with survivors always, sometimes acutely, but as time passes more often residing in a distant place in the mind.

Recurrance can happen in the other breast, the liver, bone, brain or several other places. It is not a new cancer but a re-emergence of the original cancer. This is refered to as a distant recurrance or metastatic disease. As an example, if it appears in a bone it is not bone cancer but a breast cancer tumour developing in the bone.

This is why it is so important for all women to do monthly breast self examination (BSE), have regular mammograms and a breast examination by a professional. Catching a breast cancer in its' early stages reduces the chance that it has spread to another part of the body.

When treatment for an initial breast cancer begins, patients usually become more hopeful, feeling that something is being done. When formal treatments end, in a few months or many years later there is always that sense of being somewhat "adrift". Worries can return. "What if the treatment didn't stop the cancer? What if I have to go through it all again? If I have a recurrance will I survive?"

Most recurrances happen within the first 3 to 5 years after the initial event. They can, however, happen many years later. End of treatment fear is pretty normal. Even those who have survived many years will tell you that some apprehension can accompany regular check-ups and mammograms.

It is important to tell someone if you feel fearful. If the fear is extreme it needs to be discussed with a professional. Often one of the best places to talk about our fears is within a support group. Members know the fears and have learned many ways to deal with them.

Women Alike support group members have held discussions and workshops on recurrance and are able to talk openly about its' management. We also offer much support to our members who are dealing with recurrances and know that outcomes after a recurrance can be hopeful.

For some survivors being involved in something physical is the answer to decreasing worry. Physical activity requires concertration so the mind is able to shut out worry. This is actually why most dragon boat programs are so successful. The physical activity makes your body feel good and adopting an entirely new and fun-filled activity pushes fear well into the background. Abreast A River team members laugh a lot in the boat, but we also have times of great peace, on a beautiful summer's evening, as we slowly drift to a stop during a practice rest period.

The true value of the support group was highlighted recently when one of our members candidly said " I'd trade the other breast in a heartbeat if I could pick up more friends like the 50 I collected after my first surgery".

Now THAT is a very positive outlook on life!

IN OTHER NEWS

Anyone interested in attending a Women Alike support group meeting...........Meetings are now held the second Monday of each month at 7pm downstairs at Glen Haven Manor which is approached from the back parking lot.

The Abreast A River dragon boat team will be resuming regular meetings on Thursday March 17th at 7pm at Club 55 Upstairs. Meeting space can be reached from the parking lot next to the building on Archimedes Street, New Glasgow. We welcome all breast cancer survivors who might be interested in dragon boating.

For further information on cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333