Newly diagnosed and scared witless

I  so sorry you find yourself here. You must be feeling so many things just now. You are not a wuss. 

Have you got family or friends you can confide in? Do you have a Macmillan Nurse?

Take care, you will find comfort from this forum I am sure

X

Dear fannythewondercat, the reason you feel the way you do at the moment is probably because you are in shock and your adrenaline levels have gone through the roof, making you very anxious. When your treatment starts you will find that these feelings will subside somewhat as you will be focusing on doing something positive. Once you know what your dealing with you can to some degree start the process of accepting what is happening to you. I would not recommend anti depressants at this early stage, you need to give yourself time to adjust to your new  circumstances. While you wait for things to get going I recommend sticking as best you can to your normal routine, getting enough light exercise and eating well. Check out if there is a maggies centre nearby or any support groups and ask yourself who is the best person in your life to talk about what has happened. I’m 17 months on from diagnosis and I’m a different person from the early days, you will adjust you just need to take things one day at a time.

Hi

I'd prefer we had met elsewhere, rather than here. However, we're here and we'll get on with it. 

You certainly are not a wuss, I'd guess all the lovely people here have been in a similar situation, emotions all over the place. Just right now, you need comfort and someone to talk to who understands. 

You have had a diagnosis that no one ever wants to have. Wait until you get the results of the bronchoscopy and discuss options with your oncologist, there's also a phone number to call on the site and you'll be able to discuss with someone else and get in touch with others with the same diagnosis. 

There are various groups on this site and there'll be members who can help you with the different options you will have. There's also emotional help from members in this group and also a group which I belong to with many many members which I think you should post in. It's called Living with incurable cancer. 

Well to the site.

Tvman x

I have lovely friends and neighbours  who are taking me to appointments and being incredibly supportive. my 2 sisters are also fantastic but don’t live near me. I am also a carer for my mum who has dementia, and part of my anxiety is around her - we don’t live together but I do everything for her and I worry so much about her. 

Thank you. I so appreciate the support 

Anna

Thank you. I’m going to work and it does help to have something to do other than nope and think ‘why me?’  We do have a Maggies nearby - in fact in the grounds of Charing Cross hospital where I’m being treated, I’ve used it before as I had endometrial cancer three years ago. I have heard people say that this period before the treatment plan is agreed is the worst bit but I am so fearful of finding out how bad things are. I have two close relatives (bro in law and cousin) who also have incurable cancer and It just seems like our whole family is in this horrible situation. I worry about everything - my mum, my cats, how to tell friends - my closest friends already know and are really supportive- every day brings more stuff to worry about. I just don’t think I can cope with it. And I’m plain scared. 

thanks again for your support it means the world to me. I found the same when I last had cancer. Somehow friends you don’t actually know can be a tremendous help. 

anna

Dear Anna, I’m glad to hear you have supportive friends and neighbors. I think looking after a relative with dementia is one of the most challenging task there is, so it’s bound to be a source of stress. Is your mum receiving any social care services, if not maybe this is the time to get her assessed to relieve some pressure off you. You can get advice from carers uk who have a helpline. We are always here to support you so don’t be a stranger.