Post breast cancer - therapist for navigating life after cancer

 2blackcats sadly I don’t have a Maggies Centre near me. 

 Shopping Lady I think that’s how I feel, only just hitting me.

I’m a single mum and don’t have a partner. My fabulous friends and family supported me thru chemo but now I feel I need to be back to normal and it’s just not what I’m feeling but I have to keep going with full time work and kids and don’t get time to step away and reflect. 
I’m going to see if there’s a support group too nearby. I’d really like to meet some others who have experienced similar. 

So I have tried to explain it like this to people

(hard to do with no picture  but stick with me!)

You are going along with life…..

(imagine a straight horizontal line)

then cancer hit

(now imagine the line zig zagging up and down madly)

then the treatment “ends” and your life goes back to normal

(imagine the line gong back to a straight horizontal line but at a lower level than the line you were on before cancer)

the problem with the new normal is it’s not quite the same track as you were on before - it’s not a nightmare but it’s not the same. And the problem is that everyone in your life is still on your old track - so it can feel bloody lonely down there on your new track/ normal. 
that’s why talking and community is so blooming important.

anyway that’s my slightly whack take on it!!

love to know if new track eventually ends up back where old one was. I feel like I’m just much more sensitive, I don’t really drink anymore/ so I sometimes feel like a fun sponge , I worry a lot about recurrence but don’t share that with loved ones,  I just have a different outlook…..it’s not terrible but I would describe it as lonely 

Sorry typos

Can’t seem to edit!

Yes, I’ve just read that to my husband and it’s similar to how I feel.

It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling this way—processing everything after cancer treatment can be just as challenging as the treatment itself. It’s great that you’re seeking support. For post-cancer therapy, many cancer support organizations offer resources: - **CancerCare** provides free counseling and support groups online. - **The American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS)** has a directory of therapists specializing in cancer-related emotional support. - **BetterHelp** and **Talkspace** offer online therapy with licensed professionals, some of whom have experience with cancer survivorship. - **Penny Brohn UK** (if you're in the UK) offers holistic post-cancer support. You might also want to check with your oncologist or a local cancer support group—they often have referrals to therapists who specialize in survivorship. Wishing you strength and healing on this journey!

I hope you’ve come across the interesting paper by Dr Peter Harvey about when treatment finishes? I’ll find it and post a link

https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

hugs xxx

Hi 

You can ring Macmillan support line and ask to arrange a buddy to talk to.  I had someone called Sue and she waa lovely.

Xx