Emotional upheaval

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer after metastasised cancer was found in my right axillary lymph nodes. I had my lymph nodes removed 3 weeks ago and i am starting chemotherapy soon.
I am normally a very upbeat person and I thought i was handling everything quite well but i am suddenly bursting into tears over anything. Is this a normal reaction. Im not a person who shows my feelings like this and i find it hard to share with my children and family how i am feeling.
Are there counseling or discussion groups available. I live in western sydney.

Comments

  • LMK74
    LMK74 Member Posts: 795
    Hi @Cookie47, sorry you've joined the club, but lots of support here. I also don't show how I'm feeling and tell everyone I'm all good when really it's not the case. It's all so overwhelming in the beginning isn't it. I've just had a right mastectomy and all nodes removed nearly three weeks ago. I did chemo first, then surgery and radiation starts soon. It's a lot  to take in but one day at a time. Chemo isn't always as bad as you think it might be. The cancer council will be able to tell you where a support group nearest you is.
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,540
    Hi!  Sorry you're here but hey we are all here to help the best we can.  Ring BCNA there is a counselling service,
    1800 654 540
    https://www.bcna.org.au/metastatic-breast-cancer/metastatic-breast-cancer-telephone-counselling/

    Take care x
  • SoldierCrab
    SoldierCrab Member Posts: 3,445
    Hi @Cookie47
    Have you got a local McGrath Breast Care Nurse ? 
    Have you been given any resources ? you can order some on here. https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/
    there is also a group on here called Living with metastatic Cancer..http://http//onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/2-living-with-metastatic-breast-cancer

    Hugs 
    SoldierCrab 
  • Cookie47
    Cookie47 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the advice
  • SoldierCrab
    SoldierCrab Member Posts: 3,445
    @Cookie47 I also meant to say that it is normal to be emotional at this time. 

  • Cookie47
    Cookie47 Member Posts: 6
    I know it is but i am not normally like this and its hard. I think at the moment i am just trying to get everything straight i  my mind. I have chemotherapy next which im not looking forward to, then a masectomy after that.i will look for some counselling.  Thank you for your comments
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,540
    Please consider the option to explore counselling prior to any treatment as they will give you coping mechanisms.  You don't want to be in meltdown mode when you are trying to tackle treatment.

    It is not unusual to feel like you do but please reach out! 
  • Deanne
    Deanne Member Posts: 2,163
    Hi @Cookie47
    It is such a shock when first diagnosed and the other ladies have given you some very good advice about where to find assistance. May I ask if the metastatic cancer was found only in your lymph nodes? 

    I had metastatic cancer in several lymph nodes when diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago. It was not found anywhere else in my body. My treatment was mastectomy, lymph node removal, chemo and then radiotherapy. I have been on hormone therapy since then as my breast cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive.

    While I have a higher chance of recurrence due to those metastatic cells in my nodes, I also have a good chance of remaining cancer free too.  Four and a half years down the track I am very well and cancer-free.

    This network is an amazing place where I have found a lot of support. Many of us have been where you are right now and with the help of a great medical team you do get through everything one step at a time. Sending you a big hug.
    Deanne xxx