Support from abroad

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My mother was diagnosed last year with BC and is now in recovery. A long hard year of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiography. Now that she's cancer-free for now, she's very emotional - mostly angry at us or depressed. Nothing we say or do helps. . We live in the UK but mum is abroad so distance makes it harder. I know that after treatment people can undergo depression, but any words of wisdom to help. 

  • Hi, its not unusual  to feel this way.   Don't think your mum is angry with you, her family, but that this has happened to her.  Unfortunately, we tend to vent this anger at those we love.    Its common to soldier through the treatment and then flounder when it stops - it feels a little like your support network (medical people, treatment and appointments) has gone and the "routine" around that coming to an end leaves a gap.   The old routine and activities have also stopped or diminished, hopefully temporarily, but it can be hard to get back into it as often the treatment causes extreme fatigue, which can last a very long time.      I found this article very useful and go  back to it regularly https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf    Hope you all fnd it helpful.  The thing that sticks in my mind is the importance of taking baby steps.  Its also worth checking out if there are any support networks or courses available to your mum in the country she lives in.  Its really helpful to be able to speak to other people who have been through similar treatment.