Emotional Rollercoaster

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In March this year I was diagnosed as having stage 2 er positive invasive ductal cancer which I was told rather coldly by consultant over the phone. After 2 further biopsies I finally had a lumpectomy and 8 lymph nodes removed in April. During this time I cried and cried thinking why me. Its not fair. Thankfully I had my mum at the end of the phone because there were days I really struggled. I contacted Macmillan Support Line and through the Bupa Scheme I have been having counselling which has helped with the emotions. Last week I finally saw the oncologist which was delayed because I had Covid. Since getting my plan of 5 sessions of radiotherapy and hormone treatment it feels like a weight has been lifted from me. Although i really dont want hormone treatment. I am giving it a go. Although I cried a lot yesterday after my planning scan. I feel the end is close. I guess the reason for this post is to say if you are struggling with your emotions during your cancer journey dont be afraid to ring the support line.

Thanks for reading. Would be interested to see other peoples thoughts. x

  • Hi Devon, So glad that you are feeling better emotionally as I feel this is the hardest obstacle that I encountered.  I did plod along but could my body felt so tight and wound up.  I never had high blood pressure but from my first visit to breast surgeon and all of treatments it was high.  You were lucky to have your Mom.  My Mom has passed and what I wouldn’t have given to talk with her and her comfort.  My husband and son were there for me but I didn’t want to be a burden so tried to be strong.  I had Stage 1 invasive ductal cancer in left breast and DCIS in right one so needed 2 lumpectomy surgeries and radiation to both breasts.  Started on Anastrazole and feeling stronger all the time.  I too wasn’t keen on starting hormone therapy but my tumors were ER and PR positive 100% so giving it a go and main issue is dry mouth at night and I can desk with it.  Glad surgery and radiation is done. Better days are coming and remember you are strong.

    Barbara 

  • I am taking Letrozole. Only had 4 days worth so far. My shoulders are sore from planning scan and I have spectacular bruising from 2 of my little tattoos. I have to be careful as I have had a DVT in past. Have to wait until 27th July to start the radiotherapy.

  • Good for you Devon, sounds like you are hanging in there.

    It's certainly not easy, made even harder by covid and distant oncologists on the phone. I had a similar diagnosis to you just over a year ago, when we were still heavily under covid restrictions in my area. Yet my surgeon and oncologist always saw me in person, which I hugely appreciated. Over the phone cancer stuff is absolutely brutal.

    I also rang Macmillan (and the Samaritans) and would highly recommend it to anyone wondering. There's always a kind voice at the end of the phone - what an absolute blessing.

    Re. hormone treatment - I think the best any of us can say is "giving it a go". Try it, see how you get on, and dicuss with drs / nurses if it's troublesome. Again, it's not easy and there's no one size fits all. However, many people reach a place of getting on just fine with their hormone meds, and it's not always a complete toil. Just another of life's changes.

    All the best to you <3