Breast Cancer Survivor Opens Up About the Hidden Mental Struggles
When Diane Simard was first diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2015, the immediate fear of battling for her life filled her mind. Yet, what blindsided the Denver-based author and survivor was the profound impact cancer had on her mental well-being.
The Unseen Battle
“A lot depended on how I felt physically,” Simard recounts. “By Friday morning, the chemotherapy’s effects made me feel like I got hit by a bus.” But beyond the physical toll, it was the relentless mental and emotional drainage that surprised her. Facing mortality and the looming specter of recurrence introduced a unique kind of trauma that demanded attention.
Breaking Barriers for Mental Health
When Simard sought help, she discovered a staggering gap in mental health services specifically for cancer patients. Her oncologist mentioned the existence of such resources, yet insurance obstacles rendered them inaccessible. Unwilling to accept this, Diane took matters into her own hands, catalyzing change from within her community.
Foundation of COPE
Reaching out to the University of Denver, Simard offered seed funding to cultivate a specialized mental health program. Fast forward one year, and the Center for Oncology Psychology Excellence (COPE) was born. As stated in Denver7, COPE has now educated over 200 students, embedding cancer-focused mental health care into broader health psychology studies. Psychologists from CU School of Medicine’s Department of Oncology as guest speakers supplement this transformative initiative.
Advocacy for All
Simard emphasizes a significant rise in resources since her initial diagnosis. Her message is clear: those diagnosed with cancer must prioritize their mental health as diligently as they would their physical symptoms. Caregivers, too, need support, faced with the challenges of standing steadily by their loved ones.
Embracing a New Beginning
Years later, Diane Simard stands as a beacon of resilience, turning her personal battle into a legacy of support for others treading the same treacherous waters. Her story is a reminder not just to survive but to thrive through community and essential mental health support.
