Hi
i just wanted to ask after treatment how long it was before you started to feel you were getting back to normal? I’m 3 months post op, didn’t need chemo or radiotherapy and have just started Anastrozole.
I can see that I’m improving but still think about the cancer/treatment a lot and still get upset about things. I am seeing a counsellor and have attended the moving forward course which have helped.
I understand that post treatment can be a very emotional time and you need to give yourself time to come to terms with everything. I just wondered how long that might take. Everyone else has moved on and I’m finding it hard to do the same just yet xx
Hi Lucy
I think everyone is different and so there is no real answer to your question. I really doubt that everyone else has moved on though, so don’t be hard on yourself that you haven’t “got back to normal” or your pre-diagnosis state. If you search on this forum you will see plenty of threads with people talking about how they struggle mentally after treatment.
I was warned that the time immediately after treatment could be hard as you no longer have the medical team supporting you as regularly - and I found that was very true. I am now about 2 years post treatment (I had the lot!) and I have ups and downs. Sometimes people will bring up the subject when I don’t want to talk about it and that can bring memories flooding back. It is a cliche to say that you need to give yourself time, but it is true. It’s great that you are seeing a counsellor - I did too and I found that very helpful. It really does take time to process what you have gone through, but you have already noticed that you are improving so that’s a really good sign.
Talking can really help, especially on here when everyone understands, so if you feel that would help do chat away on here. I don’t know if any of that is any help, but I wanted to reassure you that what you are feeling is very very normal.
Sending you hugs and best wishes for your continued recovery
Evie xx
Hi Lucy,
i finished radiotherapy on 23rd July , was diagnosed in January and am finding it really hard now that treatment is ended ! I am still recovering from the last operation three months ago ( mastectomy with reconstruction) and get very tearful still ! I have been told by the breast care nurses it’s very normal to be feeling like this ! I have been offered counselling which is being arranged and am going to attend a moving on course in January ! I have good days and bad days and frequently come to the forum to talk to others via these messages ! It’s a big help.
hardest thing is people saying how well I look and I should be happy that the surgeons have managed to get the cancer ! There is always the 'what if ’ though !
We are all in this together and I am glad this forum is here !
good luck with everything and big hugs
love Philippa xx