Counselling

Hi

Sorry to hear you are struggling emotionally.

I have not had counselling myself but plenty of the patients I have treated with radiotherapy have done.

Most of them say it really helps to be able to offload their thoughts and feelings onto someone neutral.

I’d say give it a go with an open mind.It might not be for you or it may be the best thing you have ever done.

In addition remember that the people on this forum are always here if you need help or support or even a laugh!

Good luck 

Hi Exraygirl, thanks for your reply. Was reluctant to ask about having the sessions as I have never had any counselling before and kept thinking  there are others worse off then me who would need it (I'm fortunate in that after  my mastectomy I only need to take tablets for 5 years and no radiotherapy or chemo) but everything happened so quick lump found in july and mastectomy in September and I think I just went on auto pilot and accepted what ever was thrown at me much to the amazement of friends and family who couldn't believe how well I was coping/dealing with it. Then it hit me like a brick wall. Reading all the posts on here everyone seems lovely, very supportive and understanding which I think you need, well I do as it helps off loading how you are feeling or realising that you aren't alone with your thoughts and feelings. Thanks again

Hi Bernardino. I have had counselling in the past (not for my cancer diagnosis but for another health condition) and I found it very helpful. I could say what I wanted to say, without the fear of upsetting anyone. The counsellor helped me to see things in a different way, by challenging me when necessary, but also by guiding me acknowledge that things could be looked at differently and in a various ways. There is no harm in going and seeing if it helps (which hopefully it will). All the very best. X

Hi Rosebee, good to hear from someone who found counselling beneficial. I'm hoping it will be good to talk to someone not personally affected by how I feel and to help me move forward (hopefully )Thanks so much for your reply x

All the very best. I hope you find it helpful. X

Hi Bernardino, I was diagnosed in March, grade 1 HERS2 negative and hormone positive, had surgery in April, I had a lumpectomy and the other breast done so they matched! Followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy and tablets now for 5 years! But like you I went on auto pilot, it all happened so quickly and I felt like everything was ok and I was coping really well! Now 6 months later I have days where I’m really struggling! I’ve been sent details for counselling but I’m worried as I’ve never been someone who’s needed help before or suffered with anxiety! How are you finding your tablets? Are you taking tamoxifen? I just sometimes feel I’d really like others to talk too 

Hello! I have had extensive counselling in the past and currently still see a counsellor once a month, I find it invaluable, having a space to talk freely and to order your thoughts can be amazingly cathartic and helpful. It does help to click with your counsellor of course. You’ve nothing to loose by trying it, it may not be for you but it could be just what you need xx

Hi Kasey11. Like you I have never suffered from anxiety but We have been through something I never expected to have to go through and it's hard to explain to those who haven't been through it how you are feeling. I was even reluctant to ring macmillan as I wasn't sure about talking to someone about myself  but even the phone call to macmillan and the assessment call with Bupa has actually helped me feel better in myself so definitely get in touch with them to see about getting an assessment. Yes I'm on tamoxifen as well, I was already getting hot flushes before and haven't noticed them getting any worse, but I do get heart burn so I take them after my evening meal as that's the biggest meal I eat and I found that has helped., as I was taking it first thing so suffered all day with it. Have a large stash of Rennies now. I read about puffy ankles so my thinking was if i get them  during the night then I won't notice   I have only been taking them for a month so not sure how long before you experience all the side effects. How are you finding the tablets? 

Hi Anna12345. Thanks for your reply, it really helpful to hear about others people's experiences and as you say I have nothing to loose  and the possibility of it helping me feel better in myself will be a bonus x

I’ve just started my counselling, and even though it’s my job (albeit different sort) I think I’m going to find it useful. My therapist linked my past medical trauma with asthma with particular triggers in my cancer treatment- I’m fine with MRIs and surgery but some simple things can trigger me, like certain smells or sensations. It won’t cure my PTSD but maybe I can develop some compassion for myself. I’d thoroughly recommend it - especially as the going rate for private therapy is £60 per hour and this is free!