New here just wanted to say hello

Hi there, I am quite new to this group too and was diagnosed at the end of September.  It is certainly an emotional roller coaster and there is a lot of information and emotion to deal with on a daily basis, as well as how we cope with responding to different treatments.  I think it is so important to feel you can open up and talk to someone about how you are feeling, do you have a good support network?  I am due to start my chemo and immunotherapy next week, so have been feeling quite anxious about that.  Do you have any nurses in the oncology team you can chat to about how you are feeling?  Hope you feel able to reach out to someone and that your treatment plan goes well for you x

Hi Carol, welcome to the group, but sorry you find yourself here. How you are feeling right now is normal. Your life gets turned upside down when you are told you have cancer, and you are thrown feet first into treatment before you really get time to digest what is happening. Now you are few weeks into treatment, and probably feel that you have a good routine around treatment, this is now the time other thoughts start to slip in, and you start to realise that this is really happening. 

For me, it was about a year into treatment ( I am incurable and on life long treatment) that it hit me. I then went through a period of mourning for my old life, and how my life was before cancer. It took me a while to adjust, and to be honest I would of benefited from some counselling, but I was more concerned about my children.

If you have a Macmillan centre or maggies  close to you, these are great places to visit for support. I will also add a link to a leaflet below for you that can help with anxiety.

Cancer information and support - Anxiety

There is usually someone here in the group to chat to, we are the ones that know what you are going through, as we are going through it with you. Or you can call the support line on 0808 808 00 00 who are available 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm. 

Hi Carol22 I also started having panic attacks again and periods of high anxiety I think like Chelle said it’s all understandable at this time , it’s all very scary …. I still struggle but I’ve benefited from the helpline that Chelle linked honestly they have got me through so sticky moments , they also arranged for me to have counselling 6 free sessions via bupa and that’s helped a lot too ….. if you are near a Maggies they are amazing too …and of course speak to your Gp they can help with short term meds etc , .the most important thing is you are not alone , there is usually someone around in here to chat …. You can read my story by clicking on my avatar … Elly x

Hi Mads Mads just reading your story , my word  , you’ve been through a fair old journey already love … nice to meet you , my story up too I was diagnosed in September too x

Hi Elly, I started to update my profile yesterday and it still seems quite surreal like I am writing about someone else! Just been reading your story, I hope your treatment has gone well for you and that you get some positive feed back in January.  X

Hi carol22.

I am a year into my diagnosis if you click on my avatar you can read about my journey. Even now I have days when I get upset and don't understand but the feel does pass, there is plenty of help available through Macmillan and you must tell your GP they are as responsible for your mental health as you consultant is for you Cancer, don't bottle things up even if all you do is get on this forum and say how your feeling, I also keep a diary, I find writing down how I feel can help, I'm happy to chat if you need an ear just message me 

Have a good evening 

Donna

I only ever see you the positive supportive person you are Donna x

Thank You For the compliment Elly