Body issues

Hi ROWLIEGIRL

Sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment.  What you are feeing is perfectly natural as your body has been through so much.  There is a great article by Dr Peter Harvey called "After the treatment finishes - then what?" which sums up perfectly what it's like post treatment.  I've read the article and I found it very informative.  Here's the link to the article: After the Treatment Finishes - Then What? (workingwithcancer.co.uk).   You could also show it to your husband so that he knows how you are feeling.

If you feel like it why not ring the Macmillan helpline on 0808 808 00 00 to talk to someone about how you are feeling.  They can even arrange counselling for you if you want.  If you have a Maggie's centre or another cancer centre near you why not call into them and they can also arrange counselling for you.

Try not to be too hard on yourself, hard at times I know and give yourself little treats.  While you are feeling lost at the moment, you won't feel like that forever.  Try to take things one day at a time.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thanks Daisy, I have printed this out for reading tonight. I am also making an appointment at the Mulberry Centre for a counseling session.  Thanks for your help ️

Hi Rowliegirl,  Sorry that you are feeling emotionally exhausted right now and I totally agree with Daisy53 and her suggestions.  In fact I am going to read the article myself.  It is normal to have these emotions as your body image has changed and you look different and it takes time to heal both physically and emotionally.  Libido changes too especially if you are on hormone blockers.  
You can use scar gel on the scars and that helps to soften and lighten too.  
Take care of yourself and you will feel better.  We all have different needs and feelings.  Hugs and kisses to you and hope all works out for you soon.

Barbara

Thanks Barbara. I am using Bio Oil twice a day on the scars. Quess I just need to be more patient. Iamon Tamoxifen so that may explain things too. Xxx

Oh yes tamoxifen can definitely cause lack of sex drive.  I am on anastrazole and same thing.  Boo hoo.

I felt like that too, I had 30 nodes removed and a lumpectomy early Dec. Four and half mths since radiotherapy finished. 3 mths of of Letrozole and almost 3 mths of Tamoxifen. My energy does fluctuate i just make sure I do what I want to,  house work is now longer important. 

I read that article, someone on here recommended it. I also found out about Look Good Feel Good, I went to one of their makeup sessions. Everyone seems to lose confidence. LGFG is a registered charity, look them up. They do sessions on Zoom as well. My hair is getting quite thin but I'm ok, I'm still here. The weather doesn't help, I do like walking and trying to stay fitish. 

I did the Hope Course at the local Macmillan Centre. It was good to meet other women who were feeling similar. You definitely are not alone in how you feel. Finding out how to put yourself back together is another journey. Healing psychically is a process. My first trip away was to Nancy in France, to a wedding. I was nervous about public transport, we drove. The journey both ways had complications. We ended up driving an extra 600 miles because my hubby left a bag behind with his passport in it. 

I think reclaiming your body and learning to like or love it first is important. Our bodies have carried us all this way, sure it's been traumatised but it's healing now. I bought new bras that support better to help me return to dancing. Hope you find a way to enjoy life again. Xxx