I was diagnosed at the end of October 2007, and had a lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes two weeks later. Coped ok with that, then got massive infection in the breast wound so back to hospital for IV antibiotics. Since then I’ve been getting palpitations a lot of the time. I think it’s stress/anxiety - but I’m not consciously anxious - if that makes sense given the situation! I know what’s going to happen and when (mostly) and am not generally an anxious kind of person so I’m finding this hard to know how to deal with.
Like others who post, I like to keep conversations with friends and family as upbeat as I can - for my own sake as much as theirs so I’m not sure I haven’t got so good at hiding stuff I can’t even recognise it myself! Any input/help/advice would be welcome.
Dear Valderi,
Firstly, welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums where I am sure you will receive valuable support and information from your fellow forum users very soon.
I am sorry you are feeling this way and would suggest that you may find Breast Cancer Care’s peer support service helpful, the telephone service aims to quickly put you in touch with one of our trained peer supporters, who has had a personal experience of breast cancer.
Our peer supporters are from diverse backgrounds and ages and have experienced different types of breast cancer and treatments. They are ready to listen, offer skilled emotional support and share their experiences and understanding.
For more information about this and other support available to you telephone our helpline on 0808 800 6000 or email <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%69%6e%66%6f%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%69%6e%66%6f%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script>.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hello
I had really bad palpitations well over a year after I had lymph node clearance, and mastectomy for DCIS and small tumour. Am also usually calm, and not an anxious person. However, since op had found was experiencing life in a flat, unemotive way, without any of the highs and lows. GP talked to me for a long while which was helpful in iteself. He said he thought it was delayed reaction to all that had happened. Prescribed me very low dose beta blockers which I take first thing in the morning when I feel any sense of anxiety, and this helps a lot. Haven’t had any more palpitations, and do feel mostly much happier and calmer again.
Best wishes
Hi Valderi,
What is happening to you is completely normal, you have had a big shock to the system I think like myself adrenaline takes you through the first few day/weeks from dx, and when the adrenaline goes the body runs on autopilot. Just look after yourself and give yourself a break don’t be too hard on yourself, keep positive and fight the little b…ds (cells) all the way.
take care hon
GillMc xxx