Breast Cancer and Marriage_ What You Need to Know

1. Breast Cancer and Marriage: What You Need to Know Breast cancer makes an impact physically, emotionally, and spiritually; this affects the woman diagnosed and her loved ones. As such, learning how to navigate breast cancer and marriage is very helpful for those diagnosed and their spouses. Following diagnosis, a woman’s spouse usually becomes a key member of her Oklahoma breast health network. This can involve taking charge of scheduling, childcare, meal preparation, and other essential duties. Because both parts of the couple are going through a significant lifestyle change, factors like burnout from busy schedules or frustration due to the situation could lead to conflict. This is a complex situation, and there is no one-size-fits-all way to resolve the issues that may arise. However, there are some things you can both do to keep your marriage steady during this challenging period. Keeping Relationships Strong Through Breast Cancer and Marriage Remember to Do Things You Enjoy Some of the frustration on both sides may stem from the feeling that your lives revolve around the diagnosis. While there should be a strong focus on treatment and recovery, you should also make room for life outside of breast cancer. This can be anything from dates at your favorite restaurant to sitting outside and spending time with one another. Openly Communicate Your Feelings If you push down your emotions, it will lead to frustration, anger, and even resentment. Do not feel like you must put on a happy face all the time, either, as this can have the same result. Share your emotions – both positive and negative. Even if you can not fix the situation, you can work through the feelings that result from it. Make Exciting Plans for the Future Having ideas for what to do after recovery can raise your spirits throughout the treatments. This can involve making small suggestions for future trips or even deep research on your ideal vacation destinations. If your spouse resists making these plans, do not push it too hard. Wait

2. a while, and bring it back up when they are more open to it. Do Not Hesitate to Seek Support The diagnosis can take a lot out of you. Even with a plan to take care of everything, it can still be draining. Remember to seek out help, whether it comes from friends and family, support groups, or your Oklahoma breast health network. If you are unsure where to go, various resources are available online or through cancer centers. Find Help with Our Cancer Support Groups Oklahoma City Project31 knows the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds that breast cancer leaves can take a toll on women and their loved ones. As a community, we aim to support each other while helping each woman keep her family, spouse, and relationships strong. We hold cancer support groups Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid, and other cities across our state. In addition to sharing resources and helping you build relationships with other survivors, we hold meaningful discussions on intimacy and marriage. We also hold events throughout the year for members and their spouses. Please get in touch to learn more about the Project31 community or find a support group near you.