Just need to talk

Hi LellyNelly,

I am so so sorry to read your post, you have been through so much and are still going through a lot, so my heart goes out to you. Have you spoken to your medical team or GP about how you are feeling? They may be able to put you in contact with a counselor or psychologist who may be able to help you work through these emotions and try to process them in the best way that works for you? I too have a blood cancer, although haven’t had the long-term effects that it has had on you, but I do appreciate that the treatment can be quite brutal and it was around 15 months from diagnosis when I started to experience emotional problems so I have some understanding of how you might be feeling. Counseling really helped me as it allowed a safe space to let out what was going on inside me and in turn this helped me to find a way forward. It was not the way forward that I had hoped for, but it was a way forward nonetheless.

I am wishing you all the very best,

Greg

Hi Greg. Thanks. It does help to know that someone is listening. The hospital in London where I was treated offers counselling to all people who have been in ICU but they don’t do it in Norwich and Hubby, quite understandably, doesn’t want to drive 4 hours each way just for a one hour session. I did have counselling at my local big C centre last year but was only allowed 6 weeks which I had. They do have group sessions for those with any type of cancer but of course they are all cancelled now and I HATE talking on the phone. So this is my only connection to anyone who understands. Thanks

Hi LellyNelly,

Things that have helped me in my darkest moments are:

1. Emotions are only temporary - yes, they can be incredibly painful, but they can’t and won’t last forever

2. there is beauty and joy in the simplest moments

3. the past is gone, we have to just let it go. The future is unknown and is not ours to own. The present is the only thing we can control.

Distraction worked massively well for me. I decided to write a book. It was fiction but it allowed me to pour out everything that was inside onto the page. It also distracted me from tunneling into dead ends.

I hope these help in some way LellyNelly. The answer will be unique to you and sometimes it just needs time to present itself. Here’s hoping that it comes to you sooner rather than later and in the meantime, please continue to use this space, I know you’ll come across people who have a chance of understanding what you are clogging through.

Greg

Hi Lellynelly, these services may well be limited at the moment but for future reference check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support services in your area.

Up in the Highlands our Maggie’s Centre is the main focus for cancer support and many many folks will do the 4-5 hour round trip for their various support services - I see there is one in Cambridge.

Sending a hug from 12,000 miles away.