Feel like i don’t belong

Hi Tink_ , I’m much older than you (66!) but I’ve heard other young women like yourself say just what you’ve said. I really felt for the few younger folk when I had my radiotherapy, as the majority were around my age (59 at that point). Have you been in contact with Future Dreams in London? Do have a look, even if you’re not near enough to go in person, there are lots of online sessions. I have been to several different sessions there and there are a reasonable number of younger women so I hope you’d feel less like you don’t belong. Love and hugs, HFxx 

Hi Tink.

You're not alone. I finished treatment in July. I have bipolar disorder and social anxiety. Have no friends or family nearby (I have my partner and son though) 

The chemo also kicked me into the menopause, so Im dealing with insomnia, flushes, mood swings and awful back pain and sciatica. Feel like I just get up to suffer alone some days. 

I'm 43 and its so difficult to meet people, plus I dont really like social media as I feel it exacerbates my anxiety.

I just wanted to reach out and tell you that there's probably loads of women going through the same to varying degrees.

I hope you're doing well today. Don't give up. I know its hard, but we're still here and stronger than we know.

Lots of love 

Kate

Hi Tink

I am in a similar position, I am 43 married with 3 children, I am coming to the end of my treatment for breast cancer. Having 6 months of chemo, then surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

I about to start back at work, and I don't know how to be normal anymore. I feel like my life has been changed forever and I feel broken. People say incredibly insensitive things and it makes me feel alone.

I don't know a solution but just wanted to say me too. Take care of yourself and prioritise your needs 

X

Hi lovely ladies,

Breast cancer can be cruel, robbing women of their identity. If you’re at the end of the active treatment or if you recently finished it, to help you navigate this transition you need support to reconnect with yourself, and create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Emotional work need more attention, having small children put more challenges and you need to be careful not to start to neglect your own self care.

They’re courses which help this transition and there are many topics covered during these courses like stress management, mindfulness, goal settings, strategies to regain your confidence and self identity, fear of recurrences. Some of them are offered by Breast Cancer Now with Moving forward courses, I think Macmillan has the HOPE programme. Penny Brohn and Maggie’s have also this kind of programmes. And when going to Maggie’s if you have social anxiety and find it difficult to connect with someone, just ask to speak to someone. There’s always someone over there who’s a specialist whom you can talk to and give you advice.  ️