Hi, just looking for some support, I have just finished a year of treatment, op, radiotherapy and three weekly injections and had my first mammogram, I expected to feel so relieved when I reached this point but am struggling so much at the moment and feel so ungrateful, I have experienced trauma in my life which has left me with PTSD which flared up after my diagnosis, I then coped well with the year and working as normal etc, I am now in the midst of a PTSD flare up again for which I do speak to someone, but the anxiety is so bad during the day and at night which means little sleep! I feel as though everything has just shut down when I want to get on with my life and can’t understand why it feels so bad now?
Hi Yorkie60 and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your ongoing challenges.
I understand in part the issues you are dealing with...... over my 24 years journey living with and being treated for a rare incurable blood cancer I fortunately have been able to define how I live with my cancer rather than let my cancer define me.
Navigating the post treatment journey can be just as hard as going through treatment but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining and posting in our dedicated Breast cancer and our Life after cancer support groups. These are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To join a group first click on the “Bold Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
You may find it helpful to make a cuppa and have a look at this great paper After Treatment Finishes - Then What? by Dr Peter Harvey as it highlights the post treatment milestones.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Macmillan have also teamed up with Bupa to offer up to 6 free counselling sessions for people struggling emotionally because they are living with cancer. Clicking on the link will give you more information about this.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
