Feeling Low

Hello @winkers60, yes jndeed it could be coz of your recovering from major surgery. It's fairly common to read of folk being low  n tearful post-op, let alone from a cancer op. 

There's a group here called Life after cancer,where all kinds of stuff like this are discussed.

You might find it useful to join that but also to ring the helpline on 0808 808 0000. - either to talk to the staff there or to find out about support from your local Macmillan or Maggie's centre, where u can talk to someone face to face (The helpline is open 8am to 8pm 7days a week.,the centresc r listed under " In your area" too .)

Hi winkers60, as has been said, you are only 9 weeks on from some major treatment and from your profile you have been on a long journey.

The recovery both physically and mentally takes time and more time than you would hope so be kind to yourself and keep focusing on the greater good in all this.

You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support and Practical Information mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.

Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.

There are milestones we have to reach during the post treatment journey, make a cup of tea and have a look at this great paper

((hugs))

Thank you buttercup.I was in the garden earlier and that's helped to lift my spirits.Love Jane X

Thank you Mike,The paper was interesting and made a lot of sense.It's only 5 months since I was diagnosed so everything has happened quite quickly.I have had the added stress of trying to sort out various things for my elderly mother who is stuck in a care home.I am usually her carer so it has been difficult knowing I have not recovered enough to look after her.I'm having an iron infusion soon and that should boost my physical recovery.Jane X

Good morning Jane, dealing with a cancer diagnosis is hard enough but add the ongoing ‘other life’ stuff that goes on around us and especially an elderly parent can just mount up the areas more.

Our elderly parents are a 5 hour round trip away so going through treatment and trying to be a support was hard work so we did have to rely on our family and friends in their area.

An Iron boost will do a lot of good, yes the paper does sort of organise the brain in some way....... you would think that once treatment was finished you move on and get going but often not the case - this journey is not a sprint but the last part of the treatment journey is like the last part of a marathon......... hang in there.

Always around to listen and help out where we can ((hugs))

Hi Jane

i feel very similar nearly 4 months after a hysterectomy to cure endometrial cancer. 

Initially I was quite upbeat and strong but as time has gone by I find I’m constantly thinking about it, am very low, can’t sleep and have bad dreams. 

I’ve reached out on here and will be contacting Macmillan support over the weekend so I hope you are able to do that too. 

If you can, talk to your closest family and friends    They may not realise you still need emotional support   They can’t understand what you’ve been through I’ve found but they can be a listening ear  and comforting  

sending hugs 

Sharon x 

Thanks for your support.Jane XX

Hi Sharon,I just wrote out a long reply and have lost it,aaargh.Thanks so much for your support.I'm sorry that you are having problems sleeping and feel low.I had a hysterectomy along with the bladder removal and wonder if this is why I am feeling down.Do you find your emotions fluctuate ? I was on the phone to the DWP the other day and suddenly burst into tears for no real reason.I'm so tired today I can't function.Sending love and hugs.Jane XX

Hi Jane. I have lots of times where I’m perfectly happy and ‘normal’   I put this big smile on my face and ‘put on a show’   

But then this morning at work I had a breakdown. I had silly thoughts that no one would care if I was around.  And I cried and cried and cried.  

I reached out to my HR department as I got scared of my thoughts. They were phenomenal-as was my boss - and we’ve put a plan in place for work up til Christmas (it’s my financial year end) and they are going to get me some time with a counsellor and cover the costs. 

I had just 2 hours sleep last night and am just so damned tired. Sometimes I can’t even speak with tiredness.  And so damned pissed that having cancer has made me feel like this. I’ve gotten low moods before but nothing like this.  

I hope you get/got some sleep tonight. Sending hugs xx