Hey green-eyed lady, my diagnosis threw me into an intense head spin too (specific circumstances, read bio for summary) and I remember all too clearly that heart pounding feeling. I knew I'd need counselling straightaway and in the initial week following diagnosis I saw a cancer nurse counsellor twice. She was my first step on that road and it was helpful at the time. I eventually moved onto a community funded breast cancer psychologist, and now see a clinical psychologist. It has helped. It's no 'cure', but if you feel that you are being emotionally overwhelmed to the point of not functioning, it can be of great assistance. A safe space to express yourself, and get some practical tips on how to manage your emotions.
Unfortunately there's no way round them, you have to go through it. I was told at my very first appointment to lean in to the pain. I didn't understand at the time but I do now.
Like you I was 'well' when diagnosed, and after an extremely difficult and stressful few years had started to get my life in order. I had plans... My diagnosis threw a spanner into those plans, like it did for all of us.
It is what it is and we have to deal with it, whether we want to or not! Be consoled by the fact that we have the best survival rates in the world here, and focus on the end game, a cancer free life.
It's really easy to say but much harder to do I know! In many ways you are in the absolute worst bit now, the not knowing. It will get a whole lot better when you have a treatment plan. So right now, distract, distract, distract. I watched a LOT of stupid sitcoms when I was where you are now. Bake, work, exercise, sew, do yoga, see movies, play music, hang out with friends, anything that will take your mind of BC for even the shortest time.
We're here for you. Biggest of hugs, K xox
