Hi,
I was hoping for some advice. I am finding life very tough at the moment which isn’t like me at all. I am usually quite tough mentally and have an old fashioned approach towards dealing with emotions in the sense that’s men should suck it up and be the strong one (very outdated I know).
A few months ago I was diagnosed with cancer. That was a shock in itself. Around a month before my diagnosis I found out my partner was cheating on me with a friend. We split and it was a tough time. Then I went for a routine blood test and when the results came back they were concerned. Low and behold it was not great news. This was tough to deal with, I had a friend I could confide in but I had never felt so alone in my life. I distanced myself from my son, became very isolated and has dark days and nights.
My ex found out I was not well and we decided to try and work things out. I found myself a little better mentally considering the diagnosis, however I wasn’t sure if I could fully forget what my partner did to me. However, she was there for me and very supportive. Now five months on from my diagnosis and four months from getting back with my partner I have never found it harder.
I am struggling every day. I find myself daydreaming, not sure what I am thinking about. I am very distant from everybody, if I’m in a room with people I may aswel be alone. I am unable to sleep at night even tho I have never been more tired. I wake up very anxious and scared in the middle of the night. I have found myself not taking my medication, for months I have been so good taking them but now it’s as if I’m conveniently forgetting. It is not just me this is affecting but I just cannot say what is wrong with me or why I am in this mindset.
Anybody with any advice please
Hi Struggling to cope, I am so sorry to hear about the challenges you have been facing, dealing with cancer in itself is hard but all the ‘stuff’ that goes on around this can indeed be so challenging
The cancer journey can indeed play with our minds and emotions but I found talking with a trained support worker helped a lot
Can I recommended you call the Macmillan Support Services where you will find support or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Talking to people face to face can indeed help a lot but during these times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing and I found their personally for myself. A lot of these services have moved onto online video support but they are now providing one on one services now.
Hi again.....I have been on my incurable blood cancer journey for over 21 years now (hit my name to see my story) so I think I have had time to pigeon hole all the aspects of the journey.
It is easy to go down the "what's the point" rabbit trail...... but my desire for life and living far outweighs the opposite - even in the darkest days of my treatments there was no talk of giving in.
Do talk with the Macmillan Support team and do check out Maggie's as these cancer support workers are amazing.
Always around to listen.
