In 2007, 202,964 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Cancer Society notes that 88 percent of women diagnosed with stage I breast cancer will survive. Whether you've survived through the help of chemotherapy treatments, a mastectomy or both, your life has changed. You can thrive and live life to its fullest by creating a secure support system, taking care of your body and trying new things.
Step 1
Find a support system where you can talk about your cancer struggles and experience with breast cancer. Having a group of friends, family and loved ones that you can turn to when you're feeling sad or tired can help you restart your life. Accept your limitations and take advantage of the fact that you have people who love and care for you, says breast cancer survivor Nicole Vazquez in "Ladies' Home Journal."
Step 2
Eat a balanced diet and exercise. Both can help give you a burst of self confidence, help you manage your weight and keep your body healthy. If you were mostly sedentary throughout your cancer treatments, returning slowly to the world of fitness may be frustrating, but as you increase and maintain your energy level you should be able to return to the types of exercise you loved before your diagnosis.
Step 3
Set goals and try new things. Experiencing breast cancer may have had you thinking more about death and the things you want to accomplish before you die. Use your new lease on life to try new things, learn more and do more.
Step 4
Talk about your experience with breast cancer and use your knowledge to help others facing similar situations. Whether you join a support group, use an online forum or volunteer at a clinic, be a voice of reason and hope for those facing a similar diagnosis. It's an effective way to turn a potentially negative experience into something positive.
Step 5
Establish open lines of communication between you and your general practitioner, who likely took a backseat to cancer specialists and oncologists. Set an appointment to talk about your treatment and establish a routine for checkups and communication.
