Hi all
Has anybody here suffered from cancer truama depression or PTS since going through all the treatment but didn't realise it.
I had been diagnosed with TNBC in 2022 had all my treatment, surgery, had sepsis and had to have a blood transfusion as well. I had my surgery in April 2023 and had my first mammogram after surgery in July 2024 and told it is all clear. I have experienced some pain in my breast and told it is nerve damage and may take a while to heal up. I have had councelling as I was struggling, this was offered through my work, but I have never been diagnosed through my healthcare team, can I ask for councelling through this route. I feel stupid asking and alone.
Any advise welcome
Julia
Hi Julia/Kichy
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and I was diagnosed with TNBC in April 2022. I haven't suffered from cancer trauma depression or PTS but noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.
I'm not sure if you're aware but Macmillan have teamed up with Bupa to provide up to 4 free counselling sessions for people struggling emotionally because they are living with cancer. If you want to read more about it, and to see if you qualify, just click on the link I've created.
While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
Hi Anne
Thank you for your advise, no I didn't know about BUPA, might be an idea to try. I did have some councelling through my company who offered the councelling which I had and helped, but only allowed 10 sessions, but at the time it was enough.
Hi Julia
I have found the mental and emotional struggle connected to having had cancer and all the treatment the hardest to cope with. I have used The Maggies center and am currently having psychotherapy sessions through them which have been really helpful. You can have them online so it may be worth googling them and getting in touch. I am also considering the Macmillan Bupa route as I feel I need more and my Maggies sessions are coming to an end. Its such a hard journey and we feel so alone at times, asking is the right thing to do!
I hope this has been helpful, Frankie
Hi Frankie
Thank you for answering my message. I have had some councelling through my company which helped me. However I find talking to people like yourself who has been through the same helps as you understand. But I am going to try the Bupa route too and see what happens. It is lonely and you feel that no one understands you. You feel that the more you talk to friends and family the more they don't want to know anymore. Thank you.
I totally agree that speaking to others with the same experience really helps. I feel like everyone has had enough of me and even though deep down I know thats not the case I cant help feeling that way. Its a much longer road than you realise at the start and nothing prepares you for that. Its so tough, chatting on here is helpful. I am new to this group and my main reason for joining is exactly what we are speaking about!
Hi Mamafrank,
That is exactly the same for me, I had more support from my work colleague who had been through colon cancer years before I started working with her so she was able to chat to me, she phoned me every day to make sure I was ok. I feel because I am the only one in my family to experience cancer, others didn't know what to say, not their fault, but when I did need further support from them they all shyed away.
I guess that is just human behaviour because it is the unknown.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
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