Is it normal to feel weepy and low after getting news that all cancer was removed and margins clear?
My second time with bc, 4 years ago mastectomy and recently lumpectomy. I feel as if I should be elated but instead I’m close to tears all the time. Is this normal?
2 Likes
You will react in different ways but remember that you got great news.
Good wishes going forward x
donutF
Hello @longmuir1949
There really isn’t a “normal” there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel or deal with any of this.
Please be kind to yourself, allow yourself to feel the way you do, and if you can talk things through with someone who cares.
You might want to speak to one of the nurses on the helpline or another cancer service: they are there for you for life.
Big hugs
AM xxx
Hi longmuir1949
Thanks for posting.
We often hear from people who experience a range of emotions with a diagnosis of breast cancer, and it can feel especially hard for those when they have had breast cancer previously. Many are surprised at how emotional they feel when they are told they are cancer free so it’s understandable for you to wonder if this is normal.
For lots of people, it’s not always ‘back to normal’ when they finish hospital treatment or as in your situation are ‘all clear’. Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues. Coping with the shock of a diagnosis, treatment and side effects, and worries about it coming back (recurrence) can make it difficult to readjust to everyday life again, especially as this is your second experience of breast cancer.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email for them to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen. You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
Some people may also benefit from talking therapy, such as counselling, especially if feeling close to tears and weepy as you describe. You can speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team or GP about this. Mindfulness can also be helpful.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.
We are closed on Monday the 27th of May for the bank holiday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Eve
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.