Emotions and breast cancer journey

FormerMember over 4 years ago

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I have had nothing like a normal journey, although we are all different. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January following a small cyst which resulted in a cancer I wouldn’t have known I had and had a mammogram 9 months before. The diagnosis was devastating and we all know how that feels. Surgery 2nd Feb Follow up with consultant who removed the cancer and the back of the cyst found that the cyst was another cancer 2nd diagnosis. Full body bone scan and CTs followed. Clear thankfully 2nd surgery 10th March. Three weeks later cancer on margin. Waited for onco DX test lucky benefits of chemo wouldn’t out weigh side effects. Started Letrozole beginning of April and radiotherapy at the end of April. Later started bisphonates but bad side effects so it’s a drip at the end of this month.

To top it all up I was sent on Ifast track with a lump in my neck a week ago. No cancer thankfully.

I felt well in January but never feel well anymore, with one thing and another. I felt like I kept my feelings inside for others and now feel an emotional wreck. The end of treatment for me I have felt lost. I have a follow up with the oncologist and another with my breast cancer nurse who I have to say is always there but busy. It’s difficult when others describe you as the bravest person they know. I have found writing this difficult I know many are much worse off than me.

greg777 over 4 years ago

Hi Jan2020,

I noticed that your post didn’t have a reply and so I just wanted to reach out to you to say you are not alone, what you are experiencing is sadly often quite usual, especially when you reach the end of treatment phase and you mind has space to start to rationalize what has happened to you. This phase can often be the toughest from a mental perspective and spaces like this are great to connect with people who might have experienced similar. I have had some rocky times from a psychological perspective and I found counseling really helped me to try to process things. Joining support groups is another great way to connect with others and try to work through this phase. It can take quite a lot of time to regain prior confidence and it can be quite difficult to live with the uncertainty, but please know that you’re not alone, there are lots of people out there who are experiencing similar to you or have done in the past. The most important thing from my perspective is to be kind to yourself, don’t expect too much or put too much pressure on yourself and reach out for support for the mental side of things in much the same way as you would for the physical things. And I’m sure things will get better for you with time.

I hope this helps in some small way.

Greg

Jacquiw10 over 4 years ago

I read your post with interest as I think many people find it hard after a cancer diagnosis. It is similar to Post Traumatic Stress I think. At the time through surgery and treatment I used Headspace for meditation. It uses mindfulness approaches and I find I go back to that when the fear of cancer returning sweeps over me. I found the article by Dr Peter Harvey really helped me too, Your body has let you down and you feel vulnerable.

You have been through a lot both physically and emotionally. Is there a cancer support service near you? There is a Maggie‘s centre here and I got help there which helped. They offer counselling and other support. I think this time makes it harder too as our lives have changed so much due to Covid, even going out for coffee takes thought and planning!

Take care x

Jac

Life is what happens when you are making other plans!

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Emotions and breast cancer journey