What now??

Question

Mastectomy in September, Chemo finshed 30th December.Physically I am fine, but mentally after my appointment a fortnight ago (with oncologist) I'm a bit flat. She is very happy with all my test results, she says I look really good, healing well. She has suggested I go on yet another medication to combat the side effects of the original meds she put me on. It is a newish medication so they don't know the long term effects, although I need to do liver function tests every 3 months so it can't be good and it's expensive. (i think) They also have asked if I would consent to a genetic test just to see if there could be other reasons for cancer and if anything else could come up. I just feel like there is no end once you have cancer. You do surgery, then chemo, then on and on and on, it just never seems to end.&nbsp;You get treatment that knocks you around, but then you have to take more medication to repair what chemo has done.On top of all this I had 2 kidney stones rear their ugly and painful heads.I know that I have a great support network around me, but it just doesn't help the way i feel.I'm so sick of people saying to me "You look really good" when I feel terrible,&nbsp;any recommendations in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne would be great of someone to see and talk to that maybe able to help&nbsp;

afraser · Answer

Kwarb​&nbsp;
You are getting near the 'I'm over it' mark! The first rush of diagnosis, getting your head around it, treatment plan, treatment, side effects from treatment, general confusion and alarm slowly dies down and it's not at all surprising that the outcome of all that - is not feeling at all sure of what to feel. Am I well now? Even if I don't feel it? Am I still ailing? Should I be doing something? Not doing something? I am not back to the 'old me' and don't feel very much in touch with any 'new me' either. Your oncologist is a specialist in the body - and your body is doing all the things it should. But your mind and your emotions have been on a roller coaster and may need a bit of TLC. A good counsellor - smart enough to listen and to allow you to explore your feelings with a bit of 'stranger care'&nbsp; - may be what's called for now. You may not need such services for long. Personally, I think it ought to be offered to everyone who has had treatment for cancer - we don't have a magic 'reset' button and we need to let our emotions get a bit of space. Your GP, breast care nurse or oncologist may be able to suggest someone.&nbsp; Then you may be in a better space to decide about additional medication, tests, etc. Best wishes.
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arpie · Answer

Hi Kwarb​&nbsp; - I am So sorry you are feeling a bit flat - this diagnosis really does muck with your head probably even more than your body.&nbsp;
Yeah, it sucks that you may need to take another med to combat the side effects of your treatment ... but if it takes the edge off your side effects, that may just make it a bit more easy to manage xx. Bummer about the kidney stones tho! They reckon it is more painful than childbirth!&nbsp;Consider ringing the Helpline on Monday 1800n 500 258 ... sometimes it just helps to talk to someone about it.In the meantime, being the weekend - Check out Charlotte Tottman's podcasts on her own cancer story - she is a specialist cancer psychologist who was diagnosed herself with BC and had a double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat.&nbsp; &nbsp;She 'thought' she knew what most of the 'procedure' would be - so was surprised when she had similar reactions to her own clients ... and she talks you thru it, what to expect.&nbsp; She has done 2 'seasons' with lots of topics covered.&nbsp; She is very easy to listen to &amp; you can choose which ones to listen to:&nbsp; &nbsp;What You Don't Know Until You Do ....http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html
Take care &amp; all the best xx

mez_bcna · Answer

Hi Kwarb​,&nbsp;
We're sorry to hear of the challenges you're facing and hopefully you were able to access the podcast Arpie shared over the weekend?&nbsp;
While you wait to hear from others in the online network, you may find some of the following resources helpful:&nbsp;

Reach out to Cancer Council on 13 11 20 and ask how you can access their&nbsp;Cancer Counseling Service
You can also do a search for a psychologist on the&nbsp;Australian Psychological Society website
You may also like to look into services like the&nbsp;Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group who offer specialised psycho-oncology
Below is an article from My Journey that delves into the process of accessing mental health support via your GP or treatment team: Ways your GP can help
Connecting with a support group in your area may also be a good idea - you can explore different groups on our Service Finder&nbsp;

We hope the above information is helpful and relevant to your needs. Please do feel free to call us directly though on 1800 500 258 or email&nbsp;helpline@bcna.org.au.