Newly diagnosed

Neomi
Neomi Member Posts: 3 ✭
in General discussion
I have just been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, and had a lumpectomy. I was rushed out of hospital and have been sitting at home trying to work out what has happened. I know I am not alone but feel very alone and uncertain. I am a widow and I live alone and I work. I am uncertain about my capacity to continue working. I have been affected by depression for a big part of my life.
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  • Afraser
    Afraser Member Posts: 4,443 ✭
    edited May 2022
    @Neomi
    Welcome! We know you’d rather not be here but welcome nevertheless and I hope you find this site helpful.

    You’ve taken the first step - surgery - and we all know that working out the next steps can be confusing and quite overwhelming but you can get help to fathom it all out. A breast care nurse would be a good start - if you received no information in hospital, contact your GP or the McGrath Foundation to assist you in finding a local nurse. You may also want to seek some counselling - your GP can provide a referral. Cancer can affect you emotionally - it’s not a small thing - I’ve never suffered from depression but I found a couple of months with a good counsellor during treatment immensely helpful, not so
    much about dealing with cancer (your medical team will be on that!) but the life issues that will doubtless surface at this time. I had a mastectomy, chemo, Herceptin and almost ten years of hormonal therapy. I worked throughout active treatment, took on a new job a year later and finally retired at 75. It can be done, but it’s all small step by small step. Each stage completed is a big win and should be treated accordingly. Many others on this site can offer advice and help you feel less isolated. It’s a new stage in your life but it can be a positive one. Best wishes. 
  • Cath62
    Cath62 Member Posts: 1,459 ✭
    Hi @Neomi, sorry you are going through this. It is all such a shock, isn't it. So overwhelming as so much to deal with and process.

    Discuss the depression with your dr. It's pretty common for people going through breast cancer to be susceptible to depression. However other than the doctor, it really helps to do exercise like walking, take a up a daily gratitude practice, eat healthy food, see family and friends etc. Meditation can help too.

    Also seeing a physiologist can help as well. I had a few sessions with a physiologist when I was going through treatment. 

    Regarding work I guess that's something you will need to work through. It probably depends on your situation. Cancer can be hard financially. I know there has been a few posts about this. There maybe some info regarding financial advice on the bcna website. 

    Take care 💐
  • Neomi
    Neomi Member Posts: 3 ✭
    Thank you ladies - I appreciate your comments and kindness.
  • Julez1958
    Julez1958 Member Posts: 1,247 ✭
    Hi @Neomi
    What location are you ?
    You can add your location to your profile and that can allow people on here to offer more targeted advice.
    You say you had a lumpectomy but are you having any other treatment ( like chemo , radiotherapy , hormone therapy).
    Agree that if you can access a breast care nurse that is good, there is alsoa lot of really useful info on this site.
    I found the podcasts by Dr Charlotte Tottman “ What you don’t know until you do” very helpful - it is above in one of the “ Announcements”.
    She is a psychologist specialising in cancer related distress who was herself diagnosed with breast cancer .
    You will still be in shock to some degree and I liken it to a death - the death of your old self.
    Definately get some professional help from a psychologist , I saw one for a short while after my diagnosis  ( had never suffered depression before) and found it very helpful.
    I also find regular exercise is good both physically and mentally.
    In time things will get better , take care.
    🌺

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