Forum Discussion
Not doing so well
Hi everyone. I thought I'd get on to share that after my MBC diagnosis 2 weeks ago, I am struggling. I'm on Ribo/Fulvestrant combo for treatment and two weeks in am doing okay physically. I wish I could say the same mentally. Having read many of the posts, I'm ashamed to want to post at all, but I wanted to reach out to see how others coped mentally in those first few weeks. I have had no success getting hold of a psychologist; you have to wait weeks. I feel depressed, sad and have only been able to cry in the last few days, and usually what prompts that is when I ask my best friend how he is coping and I see how he is struggling too. When he says 'I can't fix this' my heart breaks. I went to the supermarket the other day and felt like I was having an out of body experience. I have anxiety, not helped by lack of sleep, although that is better after I spoke to a GP and refused to get off the phone until she prescribed a sleeping tablet, so I've had a few more hours sleep since Sunday. I shake, inside and out. I feel numb, scared and when I set down to doing some work, I lack confidence.
So my question to you is, how did you manage when you first learned you had MBC? What did you do to help yourself? Any suggestions are warmly welcomed. Thank you sisters
So my question to you is, how did you manage when you first learned you had MBC? What did you do to help yourself? Any suggestions are warmly welcomed. Thank you sisters
22 Replies
- Have you spoken to your Oncologist how you are feeling? Or to your Breast Care Nurse, if you are lucky enough to have one. Perhaps they can make an urgent referral to a Psychologist.
My experience was odd. I just seemed to go through the motions with treatments.
Good luck with your treatments, and I hope that you have success with getting some support. - SO sorry to see you here @LDP .... this disease really mucks with the brain even more than the body, i reckon :(
Call the BCNA Chatline tomorrow on 1800 500 258 to help with coping mechanisms ..... I have not been diagnosed with MBC but my husband was sadly diagnosed with Mets just over 2 years ago, so have first hand experience of dealing with it & how it affects everyone - both family & friends xx. It is tough.
Don't be afraid to look at the use of the 'magic oil' (Medicinal Cannabis Oil) - with your Onc's blessing - as it has helped me with both sleep & pain control of AIs .... and I believe it is better for you than sleeping tablets. xx
Keeping busy (and learning new skills) is one way of coping .... 'down time' allows your brain to go off onto weird tangents that aren't always helpful :( Reach out for help too when you need it xx
Take care
