Delayed emotional fallout
I had a double mastectomy following DCIS diagnosis in March 2018 with direct implants. I was fine with that, but then the skin got dry gangrene on the right side and had to have the nipple removed, th...
Forum Discussion
Hi Heather. I'm sorry you're feeling this way, how rotten.
I'm dealing with the sudden loss of momentum that the constant appointments bring as well. It's relatively easy to get carried along, buoyed even, by the feelings of care, concern and action that they bring. When they're gone I think they leave a space that gets filled by 'thoughts'... And as we know, sometimes our thoughts get the better of us!
From very early on I knew this post active treatment time was going to be a big challenge for me. I sought counselling early on in my BC event (I won't use the j word) and my psych said that 50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will experience a period of depression and that for most women it occurs when active treatment has finished. If you haven't had any, perhaps now would be a good time to think about a session or two? Especially as you have had such a disappointment. What rotten luck, I'm so sorry. I see a community based psychologist who specialises in treating breast cancer women, there's nothing she hasn't heard, so it doesn't cost me much at all ($12.40!) and I don't need a mental health plan. Perhaps speak to your Breastcare nurse to see if she can recommend someone, or your GP. You can always call the BCNA helpline too, those ladies are excellent. 1800 500 258.
I have to be patient as I am still very much in a physical recovery phase from my BMX & recon, but once that's done I've booked myself in for an oncology exercise physiology course to start working on my fitness. I've got a number of other plans, new things I want to try, old pursuits I want to reignite, in an effort to make my new normal a reality. I don't want to drift back to the stress ridden pre-BC me. Whenever I have an idea I jot it down on a list in my phone.
Have a good cry and let it all out. Remember that you are not your chest or your scars. When you're strong enough, go get some second opinions and see what can be done to improve things. Hang in there. Big bear hug, K xox
I'm dealing with the sudden loss of momentum that the constant appointments bring as well. It's relatively easy to get carried along, buoyed even, by the feelings of care, concern and action that they bring. When they're gone I think they leave a space that gets filled by 'thoughts'... And as we know, sometimes our thoughts get the better of us!
From very early on I knew this post active treatment time was going to be a big challenge for me. I sought counselling early on in my BC event (I won't use the j word) and my psych said that 50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will experience a period of depression and that for most women it occurs when active treatment has finished. If you haven't had any, perhaps now would be a good time to think about a session or two? Especially as you have had such a disappointment. What rotten luck, I'm so sorry. I see a community based psychologist who specialises in treating breast cancer women, there's nothing she hasn't heard, so it doesn't cost me much at all ($12.40!) and I don't need a mental health plan. Perhaps speak to your Breastcare nurse to see if she can recommend someone, or your GP. You can always call the BCNA helpline too, those ladies are excellent. 1800 500 258.
I have to be patient as I am still very much in a physical recovery phase from my BMX & recon, but once that's done I've booked myself in for an oncology exercise physiology course to start working on my fitness. I've got a number of other plans, new things I want to try, old pursuits I want to reignite, in an effort to make my new normal a reality. I don't want to drift back to the stress ridden pre-BC me. Whenever I have an idea I jot it down on a list in my phone.
Have a good cry and let it all out. Remember that you are not your chest or your scars. When you're strong enough, go get some second opinions and see what can be done to improve things. Hang in there. Big bear hug, K xox