Lost and unsure

Neene

Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with triple negative, when first told I was absolutely blindsided and emotional mess for 2 weeks, now I feel nothing, like this is not real I don't feel like I have breast cancer is this normal reaction. I am working everyday and really exhausted through not being able to sleep. I feel confused 
Neene

arpie

What you are feeling is totally normal, @Neene ... it is a sort of 'denial' I think.  We go thru so many emotions after 'D Day - Diagnosis Day' .... shock, sadness, anger and even denial and then (sort of) acceptance that it 'is for real' .....

Prior to the diagnosis, most of us are fit & well & active ... and suddenly it is all brought to a halt as you get onto the 'BC Treadmill' .... and our lives as we know it, come to a crashing halt.  Combined with family & friends not always knowing how to react as well .... it all takes a toll on you.

Have you joined the Triple Negative Private Group?   You'll be able to chat with them about all things triple N xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/30-triple-negative-breast-cancer-tnbc

Maybe give our helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) to chat with a real person, in private xx. 

take care

Suziw1957

Hi Neene, 

Firstly welcome to this group of extraordinary human beings. I haven't made too many comments myself but I feel for everyone who has come to join the "club" and I can tell you that it is reassuring to have the support of and feedback for others either embarking on, working through or who have completed their own journey.

It is a shock to get a diagnosis of breast cancer and like you sleep and fatigue for me was and is sometimes a challenge.  It is difficult if you are trying to work and it was something I had to give up as I had just started a new job at a wonderful place but given that my body wasn't cooperating and I was facing an uncertain future in terms of requiring time off for surgery and potential follow up treatment, I didn't want to have more stress for myself and my colleagues.

Like you and after a lumpectomy, I was diagnosed with Grade 3, Triple Negative BC but with an early stage diagnosis I am doing everything I can to work with my wonderful team at Tweed Valley Hospital.  

It is important to try and be extra kind to yourself, breathe, meditate, walk, talk, rest if and when  you can.  For me it was important to have access to reliable and relevant information and apart from the health processionals you have, BCNA is the best place to this.  I have a couple of notebooks and I use my phone calendar and a wall calendar - to write down any questions I have, a journal where I write random stuff, treatments and any comments.  It helps to keep track of appointments, medications etc. just to try and keep my mind clear (I have been known to be a chronic overthinker, the Calm App has hugely helped me with this and I would be happy to send you the link to a free month).

I completed my second round of chemo yesterday and am feeling remarkable "normal" today.  

If it would help, please feel free to private message me and I  would be happy to try and support you on your journey.  Just doing this has given me something to smile about and to feel that I have achieved something today.

Sending you love and hugs Neene.  You are not alone and while it may not be quite what you planned for the immediate future, believe me there is a community of people out there willing and able to help you to work through this xox

Neene

@arpie @Suziw1957 Thank you both, you made me feel better about the way I was feeling and its not just me being in denial. I think it's also a feeling of guilt that I wont be able  to help my Mum out with my Dad who has Alzheimer's she relied on me a lot.  I have my first meeting with the Peter Mac in Melbourne today so the nerves are very high today.
 I have now joined the triple negative breast cancer group thank you @arpie
and thank you @Suziw1957 for the offer to pm you I will definitely keep that in mind 
Bless you both  xxx