Forum Discussion

Nala's avatar
Nala
Member
20 days ago

Mental health and new diagnosis.

Hi all, been struggling really bad finding out i have cancer in my right breast early diagnosis.  I dont know what sort as i cant cope with the details of it all. I have seen the doctors and waiting MRI appointment and surgery date. 

I am really struggling with the anxiety and the moving forward bit. I suffer with  anxiety and depression quite badly.

I was given the option of just having the two lumps removed or the whole breast. I cant decide which option will help me move forward better. 

So firstly is there any mental health accept to this organisation? I only have my hubby to rely on who is also classed as my career.

I am unsure which option to go with as my mental health plays a big part in my descion. I need to make a descion that i can be happy with and wont make my anxiety worse.

Unsure of who to talk to or where to go for help.

anxiety
emotions
lumpectomy
mastectomy
radiotherapy
support groups
surgery
treatment decisions

2 Replies

  • Christina_BCNA's avatar
    Christina_BCNA
    Community Manager
    20 days ago

    Hi Nala​ - thank you so much for trusting us with your thoughts and feelings right now. What you’re feeling is very real and valid, I'm sorry to read you're going through this. A breast cancer diagnosis can feel absolutely consuming and overwhelming, especially when anxiety and depression are already part of your world.

    This is exactly what BCNA's Helpline and Online Network is here for. Our Helpline officers and community moderators are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and are here to help you through any feelings you might need to talk out. Our phones are open on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm (AEST) Monday-Friday - we'd love to hear from you and help you with this. At any other time you can call these numbers available 24/7:

    • Lifeline: 13 11 14
    • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
    •  

    Don't forget our Online Network is also here for you 24/7, where others on a similar path can offer you support and their lived experience stories. There is help available, please let us know what feels best for you right now. 

    Please also feel free to send me a private message at any time you need to chat :)

    Your hubby can also call us anytime, or join our Online Network's Carers Corner to connect with, and receive support from others supporting loved ones through breast cancer. Carers corner​ 

  • mrsdw's avatar
    mrsdw
    Member
    2 days ago

    Hi Nala hope you are doing okay. It can be so overwhelming and I can only imagine how much more full on it would be with anxiety and depression too. Not sure where you are but if in NSW Chris O'Brien Lifehouse offer counselling with a better understanding of cancer and treatment, and perhaps there are equivalents in other states.

    Also in case you haven't got one you can ask your GP for a mental health care plan to get up to 10 free / subsidised (depending on clinician fees you might need to pay a gap payment) counselling sessions. 

    Wishing you the very best for your treatment and I hope you get some good support through it all too.