Hi, I just found this forum and though maybe I can find here someone who can understand how I am feeling. Since I was diagnosed, three days ago, I cannot sleep, cannot eat, cannot stop crying aven whem I am doing other things like watching movies or having lunch out. I just cannot stop thinking about having part of my body stollen from me, as well as my hair. I am not feeling as myself and started having hard time to breath sometimes, like panic atacks. I have been supported by some great people, but I am still feeling all alone. I think that talk to someone going through the same problem as me could help me to feel better and I would like trying to help someoneelse feel better as well.
Hi Carol Lina
I am so sorry you are having to join the club and having such a rough time with the diagnosis news. I’m fairly new-ish to all this myself but I can empathise with the feelings you’re experiencing, as that sounds how I felt for the first two or so weeks after diagnosis. Massive hugs for you.
From my experience and what I’ve read from lots of ther ladies here, things do get a little bit easier when you know your treatment plan. Its a huge thing to come to terms with in respect of the mastectomy and hair and you need to do what helps you to get all the emotion out. Talking about it with others who have been / are going through it is very helpful I think.
If you have a read of all the other threads on here you will see there are so many women that are going through this and everyone has their own feelings to express. It gave me a lot of comfort knowing others have been / are going through it and I try and read on this forum at least once a day so that I don’t feel so alone.
Like you, I have been experiencing crippling anxiety since all this started. I’ve learned that there is a lot of support out there. Do contact your breast care nurse or Oncology team, or failing that, GP. I was referred by my breast care nurse to a local hospice, who run counselling sessions and support groups for ladies with BC. The hospice nurse keep in touch with me regularly if I can’t make a group, which is incredibly helpful. If you work, your employer may have a support service that you can also ask to access. You can also call the Breast Care helpline number here, or MacMillan. I also recently found out about the “Someone like me” service here which puts you in contact with a volunteer who has been through what you’re going through, so worth checking that out.
My breast care nurse and Oncologist advised me to speak to my GP about getting some medication for the anxiety while I go through chemo and surgery. I really don’t like the idea of taking medication but I had a very positive and good chat with my GP, who suggested they prescribe me something that I can take “as and when I need to”. This works really well for me personally as it feels like it gives me choice and control, so if I try meditation, mindfulness or counselling and it doesn’t work, I know I have a back up.
What you said about also helping someone else is wonderful and useful! I found this too. The minute I started finding ways to help others (whether BC related or not), it made me feel a bit like my like my old self again :smileyhappy:
You’re definitely not alone here! :heart: xxx
Hi Carol Lina, Sorry to hear you are struggling to cope with it all. It really is a lot to take in. I was just the same when I was diagnosed in March 2017: chest pains, sleepless nights and couldn’t relate to anyone I knew any more. As others have said, if the anxiety gets very bad you may want to consider going to your doctor for some medication. Don’t forget you can also call 0808 800 6000 to speak to someone here at BCC and you can chat and be put in contact with someone like you. Here is my story which I hope helps to give you a bit more hope that you can get through this: lifeafterlola.com/
There is plenty to keep your mind busy on there and on this forum which will also help you to prepare for your treatment. Just remember that the bit of your body that is being stolen from you is the bad bit you don’t want to keep. It is hard to get your mind around this but it gets a bit easier over time. Sending hugs. xxx
Gillyflower, thank you so much for your words. Read posts and comments from many people here have helped me to feel a little bit less alone and a little more brave for what is coming. I’m really grateful ?
Thank you very much mai7. I read your blog and found out many interesting things. Thanks for doing that posts ?
Charys, many thanks ?