Coping with breast cancer trauma

For the last seven months, as they have dealt with diagnosis, tests, surgeries, more tests, and chemotherapy, my brain and body have had their feet firmly on the stress gas pedal. I have been in stress turbo mode.

Now, with chemo in the rear-view mirror, my brain and body perceive the threat has passed. With that, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, serving as a “brake" to slow my stress response.

As a result, I am left in the dust, a bit stunned, to be honest.

Understanding Stress Response

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response

https://lifestance.com/blog/four-types-trauma-response/

Cancer Hangover

https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/for-survivors/caring-for-yourself-after-cancer/your-emotions-after-treatment/

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings

https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/life-after-cancer/what-comes-after-finishing-treatment-expert-qa

https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/ringing-the-chemo-bell-yay-or-nay/

https://waroncancer.com/news/psychologist-tips-for-a-mental-cancer-hangover/