Fighting for their lives is hard enough but the scars that's another whole issue.
The American Cancer Society has unveiled "I Can Cope," an educational program available through its Web site, www.cancer.org. The program aims to dispel myths and present facts on a number of topics, but it also tackles issues that, for some, may be best to confront in the privacy of one's home.
Jodie Spears, spokesman for the American Cancer Society and a breast cancer survivor, said the program deals with self esteem and intimacy, both of which can be affected by cancer treatments.
"Prostate and breast cancer are the first that come to mind but any type of cancer can potentially impact the way you feel about yourself and connecting with others," she said. "Treatment can take a toll on your body, mind and spirit. During treatment you could be exhausted and have no time or energy to give to your partner. For years after, you could have scars you could deal with."
Spears speaks from first hand knowledge, as a breast cancer survivor of more than three and a half years. Her treatment involved a bilateral mastectomy.
"I was left with huge scars across my chest and no nipples. You look very different than you used to, and it can be very hard to get used to," Spears said. "My husband was very supportive and continually reminded me that no matter what changed with my appearance, it didn't change who I was, and those words are very powerful coming from somebody you love."
Although she decided to have breast implants and nipple reconstruction, she was still left with very little sensation in that area, she said.
"When you're with your husband, it's something you have to be honest about," she said.
I Can Cope offers tips for opening the door for communication about difficult intimacy issues. Spears pointed out the resource cannot replace therapy for couples who have deeper issues to deal with. As an example, she said, "Perhaps your spouse didn't know you are self-conscious because of radiation burns."
Classes are available at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Baptist Medical Center.
However, "for this particular issue it's nice to stay at home and invite your spouse to go (through the program) with you," Spears said.
The segment of the program on self esteem and intimacy discusses emotional and physical intimacy, advice for single people battling cancer, questions to ask the doctor about affects of cancer treatments on sexuality and tips for the caregiver. The resource is set up as a slideshow with a voice that reads each slide. The user can go through the slides at their own pace.
"In this day and age, it's all about pink pride, but I don't want people to feel weak because it bothered them that they lost their breasts, Spears said, "I'm hoping we can help them cope with those feelings and realize it's natural to have them but have a much more positive feeling at the end. I don't like the idea of people suffering needlessly, and emotional healing is just as important as physical."
Other topics addressed by I Can Cope are diagnosis and treatment, side effects of treatment, financial concerns, pain management, nutrition and fatigue.
(Staff writer Rachel Parker Dickerson can be reached by e-mail at rachel.dickerson@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
