Hi not quite sure where to start. Got through chemo, but am struggling since op. Feels like enormity of it all has finally hit. For a while now felt like it was happening to someone else and I was on sidelines looking on.
Huge change to body image. Hair loss didn’t bother me, weight gain has, not sure as yet as to how I feel about post op look. Family and friends have been fantastic, but now feel I need to talk and share with people outside that circle and people that are experiencing the same. Have always got on with what life has thrown at me, very good at encouraging others to fall apart when they need to. Not so good at doing it myself. Am a nurse and a rubbish patient! Whole new ball game being on the receiving end. Lots of other things going on with family, I have always been way down list of priorities, everyone else coming first. Am not good at putting me first, not in my nature.
Well you started at the beginning so you can go from there on this wonderful forum where you will meet lots of ladies who will be able to help and support you as they totally get what you mean and where you are coming from.
This is a space where you can rant, rave, cry and laugh, because we do all of that on the threads here without having to worry.
There is a section Going Through Treatment and also Moving Forward After Breast Cancer where you will be in touch with ladies who have gone through the same/similar to you.
It is difficult when you are used to putting others first and now you have to put YOU first
Welcome to the forum, Bev & glad you found us.
I did not need chemo, but found radiotherapy absolutely fine to deal with & oddly quite enjoyed it as you get to know the team & others in similar time slots. The main thing is managing the daily appointments & it can be a bit tiring. You’ve completed the difficult bit.
I’m from a nursing background too & can totally relate to your feelings about being on the other side!
It’s not surprising it’s caught up with you, it does take time to recover & process it all, so do put yourself first, you deserve it.
ann x