Feeling up and down

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi I had bc for the 2nd time last year but not a recurrence as it was a different cancer from the 1st time. 

Had mastectomy and LD recon, radiotherapy but no chemo. 

Physically I feel fine but mentally I feel anxious all the time it's always in the back of my mind. I can never relax, I feel different to my colleagues always feel I'm putting a smiley face on for everyone else.

I know rationally I should not think "what if" but I can't help thinking when is it coming back, I'm just scared all the time and wish somebody could get me to think differently. It's my thoughts that are getting me down and I don't seem to be able to control it.

Renate Sob

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Morning Sorry to hear you've had this chuffing thing twice. I can't really help with how to stop worrying, i still haven't got the all clear from my first cancer and already worry about it coming back. 

    Have you thought of some kind of counselling? i know MacMillan do it and i'm sure your doctor would refer you if you went and spoke to them. I've had counselling in the past (not cancer related) and it worked. They help you to look at things in a different way. 

    We have to try and live our lives and not let this stupid bloody illness take over but its so much easier said than done. I also think that unless you've been through it yourself, no one, no matter how much you talk to them will ever understand. I know i didn't understand until i got it myself.

    Just know there are always people here to talk to, don't ever feel like you're on your own xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi and thanks for replying, I have actually spoken to to my BC nurse and she referred me to counselling but it takes 4 to 6 weeks. I thought that people who had cancer would have quicker access. I wonder if MacMillan  can give me quicker access as 4 to 6 weeks is too far away when you need it now really. 

    I will contact the MacMillan nurses tonight after work 

    Renate

  • Hi , just wanted to say if you are lucky enough to have a Cancer centre connected to your hospital, like Maggie’s or Force or possibly Macmillan. You might find they can get you an appointment a bit quicker! Although even they have a back log of people sometimes! So you may still have to wait!

    However the plus to a Cancer Services counsellor is they can offer more sessions if needed. A lot of the NHS counselling is 6 sessions! Which might work for some people but I know I needed way more than 6! 

    Good Luck, I hope you get sorted with a good counsellor soon. Sending ((((((((hugs)))))))) your way. Sal xxxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi,

    I am currently going through treatment for BC and thought I was doing really well. 

    And then I spoke to my Occupational Health advisor through work on the phone and had a mini meltdown. She recommended that I seek counselling but I thought she was being a bit dramatic. This was on Friday morning and on Friday afternoon I had a physio appointment at the breast clinic. As I left there I decided to pop in to ‘Maggies’ which is right next door.

    There was a lovely lady there who welcomed me, made me a cuppa and asked what me why I had wandered over there?

    It was like someone had opened the flood gates. The lady listened to me and then asked me if I would like to see her again for 1 to 1 counselling (she obviously thought I needed it) 

    i have my first session with her on Wednesday so no waiting for 4-6 weeks. I think if I had been told that I just wouldn’t have bothered asking again and god only knows where that would have left me.

    I would try and find a Maggies centre if you can as I think they could help you. 

    My thoughts are with you and I really hope you find someone that will help you soon

    Sarah x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Sarah thank you so much for replying to me and sorry for the late reply as I am not very good with how to use websites sometimes. I will have a look at a Maggies centre and thank you for the tip. I feel a little better now but will still have counselling anyway.

    I hope you are well and keep staying well.

    Renate Slight smile