Anxiety, depression
AA
Member Posts: 19 ✭
Hi all, I was diagnosed with BC two weeks ago IDC. Will be having my surgery next week. Im having anxiety and depression and just continously cry. Today I went to see mental health nurse and breast cancer counselor but still feeling really down.
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I did this too. I just felt like I wanted to throw up, run away, scream my head of and crawl into a ball and cry all at the same time.
I don't know what to say because I know nothing takes it away. It's just one foot in front of the other till you get to the next point.
I'm so sorry this has happened to you.
What kind of surgery will you get?0 -
My specialist said since there is no lymphadenopaty and size is 2cm lumpectomy is the option. She said i will definitely have radiotheraphy, hormone theraphy and plus or minus chemotheraphy. To be honest I can't remember everything she said, i brought my friend with me as I am always very emotional.0
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Buy a folder with lots of pockets and get print outs of all your tests. Ask everyone you see to give you a card with contact details. Put a diary and a notebook in that folder and treat it like your new best friend.
Take your trusty folder with you to each and every appointment. This stuff can take years to sort out (sorry, but it can) and it makes it so much easier to keep track of who, what, when, where and why if you start keeping your own set of records right from the start. That way, if you are asked any questions about the afore mentioned 5W's, you have access to the info.
Thing is, we all forget details. Services don't always communicate well with each other and it is very frustrating to not have answers when someone asks who your surgeon/oncologist/rad onc is, when the last test was, when your next appointment is etc..
I've been through this a couple of times and have learned that while my anxiety never goes away, I can make one thing easier to manage--keep a really good project management folder.
Good luck, AA. Marg x
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Its okay to be emotional. Its okay to cry. There is no rule book on how we should behave when given devastating news.
So your emotional thats okay. In time things will be easier and you do come to terms with it.
I think once treatment begins and what is going to happen is mapped out then it is not as bad. Perhaps getting your emotions out is a good thing.
I agree that it is a good idea to get a folder .I did and kept everything in it. It helps .
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Hi @AA, and welcome. It's perfectly normal to be upset and having crying bouts. These won't go away once you've had surgery, they hang around and surprise you at the most random times. And that's ok too, because you are going through an extreme trauma to both your mind and body. The crying will get less, so will the fear and you will deal with all the ups and downs. But in the meantime, let it out, it will help you deal with the stress levels. Big hug to you. Xx Cath1
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HI AA as everyone has said let the tears flow. I had my diagnosis a year ago today I cried more than I ever have in my life and it was probably the most terrifying thing I've ever been through, but you do get through it. Worry is normal, it's okay. Good luck with your surgery.1
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None of us are every happy about it but look for the little things in life. When ever I got a really nice nurse or if the doctor was having a good day and happy it transferred to me and everything wasn't quite so bad. I liked to go for a walk and just enjoy life and nature. Keep things simple and don't sweat the other stuff. Step by step you will get through it all and we're here for you.
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Thank you all ladies for the support. I really appreaciate it. I went to my GP today and she prescribed me a calming tablet. Hopefully I can now slowly manage my anxiety.0
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Dear AA - I found the BCNA kit plus a pretty wonderful team of people at Breast Screen , a terrific surgeon as well as hospital staff and my longtime local gp cocooned me pretty much thru diagnosis, surgery and radiotherapy - essentially they carried me thru . My message is the importance of having the right people around you plus good information. I haven't related well with my medical onc as yet possibly partly my fear of hormone therapy - we'll see. I did wobble after radiotherapy but once again good people I met on this site steadied me and I am moving forward again.For me I find having people like this around me reduces my anxiety so another message do not internalise - talk to others , look outwards - you will be surprised how much is out there to help you . There is support available thru the Cancer Council - there Cancer Connect program paired with another lady who had gone thru similar to me - was wonderful to hear her voice which tinkled with happiness and joy of living. I googled and found there were local bc support groups in my area and a couple of friends teed up other friends who have had bc to talk to me. The BCNa kit I revisited and found a wealth of helpful information re questions to ask and organisations that can help plus there is the internet. Above all you are not alone there are many of us in this club - nearly 50 new diagnoses daily - you are at the start many have come thru it before us and are living happy healthy lives now - yes it has changed many of their lives but most seem to say for the better. Reach out .3
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Hi AA, sending you much love & the simple message that you will get through this. I was diagnosed in February and the anxiety reduced a lot once I had my surgery and had a plan for my chemo. Everyone is different, of course, but for me the unknowns were a big cause of anxiety. I have found mindfulness incredibly helpful, I have an app called Insight Timer (it's free) and I listen to meditations to help me stay calm. I had trouble sleeping after my surgery and I would listen to wave sounds or sleep meditations so I wasn't just lying in bed freaking out. This is horrible and scary and it is totally normally and sane to feel anxious and sad and worried. Have a good cry now and then and never be sorry for being sad! Do report these symptoms to your doctors, it's important they are aware, they can refer you to a psych on Medicare too. Personal opinion is try things other than pills first, as antidepressants can mess with your head too. We are all here for you xxx1
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Hi and welcome. What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I can't imagine anyone not feeling anxious and sad and crying. (Although having said that some go into shock and run on autopilot). These are normal responses to a very scary event and it's not depression..just a reaction. As time goes on you will start to accept this and can think more clearly. The calming medication will help short term but be very cautious with it's use as it can become highly addictive (as in not having it causes anxiety ) but for a day or so is fine. This will take some time to resolve so yes...keep seeing your counsellor to find ways to cope with the process and know that dcis is treatable and has excellent results. Take care. Kath x2
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Hi there lovey. You cry as much as you need but rest assured as overwhelming and scared as shit as it all is it is doable. Don't be afraid to ask for support from friends family and the bcna site. You will wake up soon face the fucker head on and kick the shit out of it rest assured of that.feel free to PM me anytime if you'd like a chat Margie1
