Forum Discussion

Rose1988's avatar
Rose1988
Member
21 days ago

Emotional Guidance

Hello 👋 

I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with HER2 Positive BC. I’m 36 yrs old with two young children and a wonderful husband. 
I’m struggling with the mental, emotional side of it all and wondering if anyone could recommend a book to read to help me through. I’m struggling with big feelings of sadness and anger. I seem to have lost my want to get up and do every day things. I just want to sleep to forget. I don’t like this feeling and would really like to read and understand coping mechanisms to get me through. 
thank you x

10 Replies

  • I am so sorry to see you joining us here, Rose1988​  .... Your breast cancer diagnosis has been a real shock to you & the emotions you are feeling are pretty well what many of us feel ...  as this diagnosis actually mucks with your brain even more than our body 😟   

    I'd suggest you have a listen to the Charlotte Tottman podcasts ..... she is an experienced breast cancer counsellor who was diagnosed herself, having a double mastectomy and choosing to remain flat.  Her own reaction to her diagnosis surprised her, as it was not what she'd expected, having counselled so many  newly diagnosed women in previous years - she is VERY easy to listen to & I am sure that. you'll get a lot out of the podcasts.  (Start with Season 1 - it takes you thru her own diagnosis story.)  http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    Are you able to talk to your husband about your feelings?  He will probably be picking up on your distress ....
    Trying to keep as busy as you can just now, doing things that you love doing - is how I got thru the early days of diagnosis .... 

    Have you been assigned a Breast Care Nurse yet?  Chatting with them may  also help - or maybe contact your GP  for a referral to see a counsellor xx

    Being a public holiday today, our helpline isn't open today - but they WILL be available to chat with you tomorrow, if you ring 1800 500 258 (in business hours.). I would urge you to give them a call.

    Take care, you are not alone & we are here to help you get thru these scary early days  - let us know how you are going xx

     

  • HiRose1988​ 

    Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

    I read a book called Phosphorescence by Julia Baird about finding awe everyday.  But definitely seek extra help (as recommended byarpie​ ) if you are struggling.

  • HelloRose1988​ 

    I am sorry to hear about your unwelcome diagnosis coming up at a time when you might have least expected it. It’s special to know that your immediate sources of comfort are wonderful and supportive.  

    The resourcesarpie​ pointed to are excellent. 

    Like Suki​ I found “Phosphorescence” a grounding resource that I could dip into. When the treatment made my eyes a bit dry (making it a bit harder to read) I downloaded novels on Audible and my library’s BorrowBox. I’ve been someone who’s always escaped into fiction so I enjoyed stories. I listened to every Elizabeth Strout novel because the narrator’s voice was so calming. During chemo I found the stories were pocket sized enough to rest and then get up and on with the day! 

    I drew strength thinking about the very ordinary people in my life (especially some of the older folks) who had lived through unimaginable challenges and come out the other side with grace and acceptance. A common thread was taking satisfaction from completing a task as a tactic that helped them move forward. 
    My coping mechanisms were to set some personal goals like being out of bed by a particular time of the morning (even if I retreated to nap later in the day, especially during chemo) and to walk at least half an hour every day.

    I felt my wellbeing would benefit by retaining a partial connection with my busy “before” diagnosis life so worked very part time and continued on one or two of the committees I was able to participate in online. 
    I enrolled in an online course and set myself a weekly goal to listen to a lecture and the tutorials.

    Once treatment got underway the oncology exercise rehabilitation program I also enrolled in was a very positive game changer for my wellbeing. 

    Having said all this, our life circumstances and the backstory is  different for everyone, so I share this knowing what might have worked for me may not be right for others. 
    Sending you big virtual hugs and positive energy on this sudden change and big adjustment to your life. 

  • Hi Rose1988​ 

    I meant to ask if your diagnosis is 'Triple Positive'? (Estrogen +, Progesterone + and Her2 Positive.) 

    We have a private group where those who  'are' - can get together and chat in total privacy about treatment, side effects and any other issues or queries on your diagnosis & treatment xx .....

    You can  join the group here:

    Group: Triple Positive Breast Cancer (TPBC) | BCNA Online Network

    I hope you can get onto the Helpline today for a reassuring chat xx

     

  • HiRose1988​ 

    I found the Dr Charlotte Tottman podcasts excellent.

    I also had a couple of sessions with a psychologist who specialized in cancer related distress  early on  that was helpful.

    There was also a breast cancer surgeon in the UK who got breast cancer herself and wrote a blog and a book ( with another doctor a GP who also got breast cancer) I borrowed that from my local library .

    I found some friends found it awkward to deal with my diagnosis (I felt like saying “ it’s not contagious”) but others really stepped up to the plate ( my best is a friend who is a retired psych nurse who has been amazing - I say “ once a nurse always a nurse” - she has caring in her DNA).

    My husband has been my rock .

    I have also found this online network a great source of information and support and made a few great buddies along  the way.

    Take care and post on here with any questions or feel free to “ vent” - we all “get it “ in a way that those without our diagnosis (however caring ) will never truly  do.

    • Julez1958's avatar
      Julez1958
      Member

      Dr Liz O’Riordan was the UK breast cancer surgeon who wrote the blog and book .

      • arpie's avatar
        arpie
        Member

        Rose1988​  Here's the link to Liz O'Riordan's blog on her Cancer Journey - Start with 'What Learning Curve' and work your way thru her blogs.

        As a Breast Surgeon, sadly, she was not at all prepared for all that happened to her with her own diagnosis, treatment, surgery, side effects and recurrences :( 

        https://liz.oriordan.co.uk/blog/page/3/

  • Daina_BCNA's avatar
    Daina_BCNA
    Community Manager

    Rose1988​ - It looks like you received some great support and suggestions so far!  I am just popping in a link to the Coping with emotions page on our website as there may be some other ideas to keep in mind. I would also encourage you to ring us on 1800 500 258 - we are always up for a chat and can direct you to any additional information or support. 

  • Good morning, 

    Great advice already! It is a shock to receive news like this. Life often likes to throw curve balls at us. I think I won't add to the list of books or resources here, as there are many. 

    But as mentioned before, having a counsellor will help, and also meditation, sitting with the emotion and acknowledge it. Lay down and treat your emotion like your little girl and comfort her. 

    I like this song I like to hear when I am feeling blue: Darling by beatiful chorus. it really soothes me. 

    Hang in there Rose1988​