Lifetime experience of Persistent Depressive Disorder - PDD - recently diagnosed with primary breast cancer aged 62. Thought I was doing okay until results of first wide local incision & sentinel node biopsy indicated need for complete mastectomy & full nodal clearance. Declined mastectomy in preference for Re-excision & node removal - surgeon reluctant but agreed as mentally I was not prepared for more radical surgery. One week post-op & drain removed yesterday. Results of re-excision due week today (16th May 2019).
Issue? Mood is very low at the moment. Feel I need to talk to someone, but when depressed I instinctively withdraw from friends due to feeling vulnerable/ exposed/ being a burden etc. Would like to talk to someone who struggles with similar issues? Any ideas?
Thank you for reading this. Hope you are finding ways to weather your storm …
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Hello Treadsoftly,
Sorry you find yourself on here but you have definitely come to the right place. I am 1 year post diagnosis and have had a single mastectomy and ANC node clearance and been through chemo and radiotherapy so have experienced many emotions. I am sure you will find support amongst those on this forum who feel the same way, have you looked at the recent surgery pages. They are usually in Month order, so should have many ladies who are at the same stage as you. You will find them under the “undergoing treatment” pages, just find the surgery pages. Hang in there, its a very tough time as you deal with the waiting for results and the “what happens next”. Please keep talking to us, I’m pretty sure within a few hours many others will appear on here and help you along. You should also have phone numbers for your Breast Care Nurses who are always happy and willing to chat and help you?
You shouldn’t feel a burden and I fully understand your vulnerability… but there’s always someone on here 24/7. Keep talking to us.
Kip
xx
Hi Treadsoftly,
A warm welcome & sorry you find yourself here, but glad you found us.
Dealing with this is challenging for all of us, irrespective of whether we’ve had mental health issues or not, so you’re not alone. It is such a shock in the early days of diagnosis.
Do come & chat or vent here whenever you need to, between us all, we’ve been through everything that bc can throw at us. There is also the helpline here - see above, if you feel you need to talk.
Sending hugs
ann x
Hi treadsoftly
Lots of love to you, we know what you are going through, our friends and family want to help, However talking to someone in a similar position is priceless.
I was diagnosed last May, had chemo, mastectomy, radio and on zolodex and Letrozole.
I have my reconstruction Dec 19, I’m back to work part time, and I’m now in my new normal.
BC, diagnosis and treatment is a journey, it will be challenging, however it will make you stronger.
Echoing the other ladies, just keep on talking. Whatever the time, remember you are not a burden, we are all here for each other.