Doing this on my own.

Oh, yes. Do know this one. Thank you so much for posting. RESONATING...

 I took a second opinion, privately. Turned out that doctor agreed with the first one but she took the time out to explain everything to me and to reassure me and that made the world of difference. Good luck. 

I think maybe you have changed your username and you were bubbles.  Either way, I am so glad you have received the support you needed to feel reassured.  I am just sorry you had to pay for that opinion but the end result is what matters and it is a good one.  Happy Dance for you xxx

Hi KMS

Thanks for your reply. I hope your chemo went well today - though from reading your other post it sounds like it really did! Well done on walking there & back - I think the piece of cake was well deserved  

You have actually hit the nail on the head with what you’ve said. Just finding the right person who will take the time to investigate the problem properly is the key. It maybe that the issues I’m having are just hormonal changes but I would feel more confident about that if everything else had been checked before arriving at that conclusion. I spoke to the receptionist at my doctors, who was actually very sympathetic. She is going to pass a message to the doctor that I would like another referral so I will see where that leads me. 

Sorry to hear about the friend you had to contend with (that you mentioned in your other post). That is really unbelievable! Some people are on a different planet! You give some really good advice on how to handle this. I particularly like the bit about supporting people who need it not want it - very good life advice in general. thanks for sharing xx

Hello Bubbles  Good for you and it seems you have found some empathy in a receptionist who understands why you need answers.  Your health is so important and you deserve support but more importantly, a proper diagnosis that reassures you with facts. No fobbing off allowed.   Do keep us updated ...

Hi I hope you got through things okay . I had breast cancer 14years ago and have never looked back. Had mastectomy and reconstruction. Always look on the postive. Love your life xx

Thank you Janice231.This year is much better and I am on my Hormone Therapy now and looking forward to happier times.   Absolutely, stay positive and choose to be happy.  2019 is much brighter :). 

Hi KMS70, 

firstly so sorry that you’re feeling like this and certainly regarding the medical support, I would reach out to your team to see if there a reason any local resources for you to link up to. I’m not in the area so can’t advise on those personally. I do see some great suggestions in the thread however. 

In terms of friends and family, my suggestion would be to reach out and tell them how you feel; there could be numerous reasons why they’re not in as much contact as you’d like. Maybe they think you’re handling it, maybe they’re going through things themselves; maybe they’ve just never experienced this and just don’t have the words to know what to say or how to support you. 

Coach them, tell what you want and need and also tell them that sometimes you’re just too tired/emotional/ broken to reply but that you appreciate their messages and that hearing from them keeps you going. Some people feel like they’re pestering by messaging all the time, especially if you only spoke once a month before your diagnosis. If you’re the sort of person who ‘doesn’t like a fuss’ then they might be deliberately trying to give you space. 

Open up and I’m sure that you will find a good balance with people. Take care and let us know how you get on xx