Forum Discussion

JacquiS's avatar
JacquiS
Member
21 days ago

Feeling emotional

Hi, when I was first diagnosed a couple of months ago I went straight into survival mode, very focused on my clients (I work in mental health and disability), my business, and getting the treatment I needed. For quite a while it didn’t feel real, even with the appointments and scans and surgery. About two weeks post surgery it hit me and I have been very emotional ever since. With my clinical background I understand it, but I an nevertheless surprised by it. I know everything says it can be an emotional roller coaster, but I never expected the strength of it. I think I expected that once I had surgery and they confirmed it hadn’t spread that I would feel relieved, not still so tired and upset.

Is anyone else comfortable sharing what their emotional journey is/has been? 

emotions

10 Replies

  • WendyFeng's avatar
    WendyFeng
    Member
    13 days ago

    After one year, i still feel emotional....nothing wrong with it, i have been doing regular sport activities and they help a lot, can put things behind.

  • Philo's avatar
    Philo
    Member
    16 days ago

    I ran a mental health practice too but retired 2 two years ago after 50 years of practice. I went through & am probably still going through, the same process, different journey, as you.  Like you I was surprised with my response, as initially I was calm & collected & then wham. I’m 3 months post surgery & still can’t manage to ride the beast proficiently. Twice over this period my usual self came for a visit, but then left again. Not being able to follow through on established appointments like book club, because I’m too tired bugs me too. It’s reassuring to know someone else is going on the same journey.

    • JacquiS's avatar
      JacquiS
      Member
      14 days ago

      It is so frustrating. Being used to being calm and in control for work, then being the one with all the emotions. I wasn’t prepared for it at all. I have found it useful to listen to the podcasts done by the psychologist - she felt it all too. Reminds me that we are human afterall! And the fatigue just makes it all worse.

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    21 days ago

    Getting a BC diagnosis is a really BIG emotional roller coaster, no matter how 'prepared' we think we are.  JacquiS​ xx.  And everyone reacts differently .... and all reactions are 100% normal - and emotional distress is right up there at the top. xx

    Maybe, give the BCNA Helpline a call tomorrow (as they are off duty on the weekends) ... Mon-Fri, 9-5 for a confidential chat with the Mods xx   
    1800 500 258

    And you might like to listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts here:
    https://soundcloud.com/bcna

    She is a BC Psychologist who was diagnosed herself 5+ years ago.  She 'thought she knew' all about it .... but in reality - when it is YOU who is diagnosed, no amount of 'expectation' can equate to what you actually go thru yourself xx

    I 'thought' I knew enough about cancer treatment after nursing my husband thru really nasty surgery & chemo 8 years previously ..... but when I was diagnosed myself with BC - it hit me like a sledge hammer to the head!  In reality, I knew NOTHING!

    Be kind to yourself - give yourself time to heal & reconnect with your 'new self' ... it takes time to come good again xx

    Take care & I wish you all the best in your recovery xx

    • JacquiS's avatar
      JacquiS
      Member
      20 days ago

      Thanks. I have listened to her podcast now - I wasn’t ready before. I am a psychologist myself so I know everything I am feeling is normal, but I am not a cancer expert - although I am learning! 

    • JacquiS's avatar
      JacquiS
      Member
      20 days ago

      Yes, fatigue is a massive issue for me. I have problems with chronic pain and fatigue at the best of times, but this is even more frustrating. I just have to learn to be more patient I guess!

  • Ann58's avatar
    Ann58
    Member
    21 days ago

    HiJacquiS​ 

    I’m still to have my surgery. I was diagnosed about 4 weeks ago, surgery is now set for 26th August, after it was postponed for 2 weeks

    Most times I’m an emotional mess with varying degrees of anxiety thrown into the mix. I try to keep busy etc but I am an overthinker 😩

    I totally understand your emotional roller coaster & I’m sorry you are going through it. 
    I don’t have an answer 💝 but others further along the path will help I’m sure.

    its good that we have this forum for support. 

     

    • JacquiS's avatar
      JacquiS
      Member
      20 days ago

      Thanks. All the best for your surgery. I pretty much just went into survival mode and pushed the emotion aside before surgery. No doubt that is why it’s catching up to me now. 
      Wishing you all the best for your journey - it’s a rough ride but we will get through it.