Mental health during breast cancer

Hi Blueskythinking

Welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment. I suggest that if you have a Maggie’s centre or another cancer centre near you that you call in or give them a ring to chat to someone about how you are feeling.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Daisy53

Hi Blueskythinking

have you got a local MIND charity in your area or if not there will be a helpline that you could call and they might be able to point you in the right direction. I hope you get the support you need as we all know, mental health is as important as our physical health and wellbeing.

good luck

Dexie61 X

Thank you Daisy 53 x

Thank you Dexie61 x

Hi Blueskythinking welcome to the forum. I am so very sorry to hear how you are feeling  and I assure you that you are not alone in feeling like this . Cancer comes into our lives, turns everything we know upside down and then leaves and we are left to pick up the pieces from the damage it has done. 

Is your GP a good person to have a chat with as they can maybe start the process earlier for you by referring you for some Counselling if they felt that's appropriate or indeed medication if thats what's required, but maybe worth a visit to them sooner and have a chat with them. Best Wishes xxxx    

Thank you Granny59 for your kind words. They mean so much.

I might try my GP but ask for a different doctor as my original one told me I had a breast infection and not breast cancer as 'cancer doesn't hurt'.

Feel better today but some days it all gets rather overwhelming - I know many of us feel that.

Hope you are ok x

Sorry to hear that you have taken such a hit mentally.  You are not alone x

Like so many others I feel I have been floored at times by the cancer journey - especially with coping with the side effects of treatment (but as my GP said ……. Whatever is happening to you physically, mentally you won’t be far behind), and coping with the disruption it has caused and the way it permeates every aspect of life.

although there is a waiting list for MacMillan counselling, you can call them at any time to speak to someone - not specialist help I know, but a friendly and understanding voice.

while waiting for specialist services you may have a cancer support group near you? Or a Mental Health cafe? Have you tried journalling? I believe that there is some evidence that this can be a useful exercise, and can take many forms. 

As someone has mentioned, Maggies is a very special place.  If there isn’t one near you, but you would consider travelling to get there I would heartily recommend a visit.

I’m so sorry that you are struggling, but not surprised. What has happened to you is invasive in every sense of the word. Sending hugs.

Thanks Hedera. I just feel so lost which is unlike me. In my 'old' life - I was the one to go to if anyone needed help in any way. 

Feel my Oncologist is unreachable so that has added to my stress as have questions about having radiotherapy but no one to answer them. I'll look up nearest Maggies as there is not one near me.

x

Hi Blueskythinking 

Maggies are absolutely amazing if you have one within reaching distance or give them a call, they have been an absolute god send for me and my family. 

sending love and take care 

Hi Blueskythinking, 

So very relatable! Like you I'm having moments where I feel like I'm just falling apart. I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted... I just want a break from thinking about it but at the same time have so much to express! More than anything I feel a need to be amongst women going through the same but haven't found anything as yet...apart from the forums which are fabulous but I'd really like to just meet and be with others. I've even considered starting a walking group in my area because if I'm feeling like this then I'm sure there must be others!

I've found someone local to me who is an experienced counsellor/physiotherapist dealing specifically in oncology and is affordable so I've booked an appointment to see her, which I'm hoping will help. I've also been listening to a podcast called So Now I've got Breast Cancer hosted by Dr Liz O'Riordan.... a breast cancer surgeon who got breast cancer. I listened to 2 today, both of which were so helpful. One on nutrition and another on radiotherapy. 

I had no idea just how lonely and isolating a cancer diagnosis would be! Yes I'd imagined the fear etc but the actual emotional side of things is mind blowing.

Sending you a genuine heartfelt hug. I honestly feel you. I doubt I've been much help as such but it has helped me reading your post and learning that I'm not alone in how I feel xx