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Mental health impact/breast cancer

StrawberryCat
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Hi,

I was diagnosed at the end of August with bilateral breast cancer - 2 tumours in each breast - 1 DCIS, 1 invasive ductal tubular grade 1 on the right & 1 invasive ductal grade 2 & 1 mixed tubular/lobular on the left. This was all picked up from a routine mammogram and further investigation so came as a bit of a shock! All tumours are oestrogen positive so have been started on letrozole which has horrible side effects and I’m told I will be on it for 5-10 years.

I had breast conserving surgery with lymph node removal  in early November which went well and the margins look clear but unfortunately there was cancer in one of the lymph nodes. Have since had a CT scan and am waiting for the results of a Prosigna test to determine whether to do chemotherapy before radiotherapy. I’m told radiotherapy is a definite to both breasts, chest wall and axilla. Results of my CT scan are due this Thursday but oncology appt not til January now.

I realise I have so far been shouldering this on my own. I have a husband and family and have dealt with things really positively for the most part. I have not made use of MacMillan nurses or really spoken to the breast care nurses outside of appointments as I’m worried I’ll sound like I’m being silly and worrying over nothing. To be honest I think I totally underestimated the psychological impact of a cancer diagnoses plus I have suffered from anxiety and depression in the past.To boot I had changed jobs in May this year so all this has happened while still in my probationary period. I think I cover things up too much and then get very upset in private. 

Thank you for reading this long post - just felt I need to start reaching out.

  • Dear ,

    My name is Marie, and I’m a Cancer Information and Support Adviser here at Macmillan.

    I’m so sorry to hear how you’re feeling at the moment, it sounds like you have been through so much with your illness and treatment, not to mention changing jobs. Sometimes people feel exactly the same way you describe, shouldering this on their own and perhaps underestimating the psychological impact of having a cancer diagnosis. Some people can also be hesitant to reach out to the Macmillan nurses or breast cancer nurses however please know that your fears and worries are valid - this is exactly what these nurses are there to support with. They really do understand and can offer their specialised support and advice you as you go through this. I’m very glad you’ve taken the first step and reached out for some support from us as we’d like to help you as much as we can.

    Dealing with an illness like cancer can be incredibly difficult . There’s no right or wrong way to feel, but it can often bring a whole host of intense and negative emotions. I’d like you to know it’s ok to feel this way. If it might be useful, please find below a link to one of our booklets below which talks about the emotional impact of cancer. It also starts to discuss ways to cope with these feelings, and different support options:

    How Are You Feeling? The Emotional Effects of Cancer

    Hopefully that will provide you with some reassurances, as well as further information. It might also help you to think about what the next steps might be for you.

    You also mention that you have struggled with anxiety and depression in the past so have you felt able to speak with your GP about the way you’re feeling just now? It can be a really valuable conversation to have, as they may be able to support you in different ways and help you to access other services too. It’s also important they are aware of your situation so they can support you in the right way. 

    We can also help you to access professional support  – we have options available for free counselling, as well as peer support here on the Online Community and our local support centres too, offering an opportunity to speak with someone face to face and access specific services.

    I hope that’s given you a few avenues to think about and explore, but please do get back in touch with us if you have further questions, or if you just need a listening ear. We’re here for you.

    Take care ,

    Marie S - Macmillan

    Cancer Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

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