Hi Charlieandlola I was exactly the same emotionally i really struggled. I know this doesn't seem helpful now but the best thing that helped me was simply time. I'm three years on and in a better place and I never thought I'd feel reasonably emotionally stable again . For me it was a massive shock and real trauma.
I did also take a low dose antidepressant but have stopped them now. I had telephone counselling through The Haven but you may be near a big centre that offers something. I also used the Someone Like Me service through Breast Cancer Care that links you with someone similar stage and situation who rang me every week.
Hope some of this helps please Pm if you need as I was so desperate at the time keep posting and take it step by step. Accept you may have to go through these feelings first to accept it and move forward x
Yes I'm really struggling and feel very low. I have pains all over my body its driving me mad. My cancer is in my breast and some nodes although no spread on ct scan
I need to be grateful I know but I'm in a bad place and I appreciate your lovely message
I can understand how you feel. I was truly overwhelmed, and in shock when I was diagnosed with Estrogen positive breast cancer back in May 2018. Its a roller coater of emotions . First shock, followed by denial disbelief . Then when it sinks in I felt sad and empty. Bouts of crying, frustration and anger. It lasted few days ,then I thought to myself. I'm feeling sorry for myself. I looked at myself and I said I'm a fighter. I'm a religious person . So I prayed to my Creater and asked for His Blessings and cure. Then while all diagnostic tests were in progress, I was on the internet for hours. I found out everything about breast cancer. Treatment options. Prognosis. Complimentary treatment s. I wrote list of questions for my consultant every time I had appointments. .
I was involved in my care right from day one. I was not suitable for chemo before or after surgery. My oncologist offered me two options Mastectomy and Radiation, as it had spread to lymph nodes or Anastrozole hormone therapy to block estrogen in my body. I chose Anastrozole. Immediately after I started Anastrole in June 2018, I also saw a registered herbalist. Together we worked on complimentary treatment alongside my hormone therapy. I became almost vegan. I had the ocassional egg. I never looked back. My whole day was ful of protocols and regimen of ayrvedic and chinese herbs.
My two six months apart, scans just showed partial response. Finally, my prayers were answered. I was given my third scan 5th November 2019.
I got the esults on 22nd November 2019 All tumour has disappeared. " Perfectly clear" as the consultant put it.
So keep positive. Research. And take control of your life. Leave emotional baggage behind. If you have disputes or grudge with someone , forgive and move on. Get a lot of support frm family and friends. Diet change. Meditation . Excercise. Be involved from the start in your treatment plan with the consultant /oncologist. Ask questions. Be strong. You will get through this. I am praying for you too. Take care. All the best. Ruhi Anjum
Thank you so much for that amazing response. I have been a mess. I have been horrible to those I love. Pushing them away. Feeling anger and sadness. Why me? I'm a vegetarian, swim 3 times a week, bootcamp. Really look after myself. Then this!!!! Yes I need to be proactive. I like what you say
