Wellstar Team Members Voted Best of Cobb

Receiving the news of breast cancer can feel overwhelming. Many find themselves struggling to process their feelings while also figuring out how to share this new reality with the people they love most. 

From explaining to children and grandchildren why treatment days are difficult to deciding whether to chronicle their journey on social media, patients face uncharted territory.

Carolyn Wallace, a Wellstar oncology nurse navigator, understands these challenges and urges patients to take a deep breath before deciding how to share the news. 

“Don’t feel pressured to share your diagnosis with others within a specific timeframe,” she said. “It often takes time to come to terms with a breast cancer diagnosis. Feeling overwhelmed, frightened or sad is normal.”

The process of sharing your cancer journey takes courage, but self-compassion is key. Experts encourage patients to start by confiding in those closest to them before expanding their circle as they feel comfortable.

Finding quiet moments amid the noise of advice and opinions is crucial. 

“Your journey is unique,” Wallace said. 

Support groups can provide connections and emotional support, while family and friends often offer much-needed love and care. For those overwhelmed by the volume of communication, free websites can help streamline updates and reduce stress.

Open and honest communication is especially important when children are involved. Kids are perceptive and may sense when something is wrong. Wallace recommends explaining the diagnosis in age-appropriate ways to build trust and prevent misunderstandings. 

“Practice the conversation beforehand to ease your mind,” she said. “Reassure children that it’s OK to feel the way they do and answer their questions honestly. Let them know routines may change, but that they will still be cared for.”

Resources like age-appropriate books, camps and support groups are available to help children cope. Organizations such as Wonders & Worries, Pickles and Bright Spot Network offer free support to families preparing for these conversations.

“While breast cancer presents many challenges, open communication and leaning on loved ones can make the journey more manageable,” Wallace said. “Remember to allow yourself grace, accept support and embrace the love surrounding you.”

Learn more about breast cancer care.

To serve our community’s growing healthcare needs, Wellstar has opened new urgent care, primary care and pediatric locations in Metro Atlanta.

Wellstar Primary Care

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. Services include wellness exams, vaccinations, treatment for acute illnesses like flu and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes. Wellstar Primary Care often has same-day or next-day availability and is welcoming new patients. Visit our new locations at:

Douglasville

2710 Fairburn Road, Suite 150

(943) 202-8560

Kennesaw

1550 Due West Rd NW, Suite 100

(943) 202-8520

Villa Rica

662 Carrollton Villa Rica Highway, Suite 200

(943) 202-8560

Wellstar Pediatrics

From wellness checkups and immunizations to chronic and complex conditions, Wellstar Children's of Georgia focuses on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of every patient, helping families navigate care with confidence. Visit our new location at: 

Douglasville

2710 Fairburn Road, Suite 100

(943) 202-8660

Wellstar Urgent Care 

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions such as coughs, colds, sprains, broken bones and minor bites, burns and cuts. Visit our new locations at:

Douglasville

2710 Fairburn Road, Suite 175

(943) 202-8640

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Kennesaw

1550 Due West Rd NW, Suite 150

(470) 986-7302

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Villa Rica

662 Carrollton Villa Rica Highway, Suite 100

(943) 202-8590

Check in at this location