waiting is making me feel sick
Hi all, I am new to this forum. I found a lump 2 weekends ago, went the Dr on the Tuesday, Wednesday had mamogram, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration. Mamogram confirmed there was something there a...
Forum Discussion
Hi Amy, and welcome to this forum. I hope you find it as helpful and supportive as I have.
You poor love! The beginning is just the absolute pits. Waiting is awful and the fear of the unknown is a shocker. Please be reassured that you are not alone in either your emotions or circumstances. Also know that there are a lot of services and help available to you.
There are a number of things that can take the edge off this time. We're all different so they vary from person to person. The thing that worked best for me was good old fashioned distraction. I gave my brain a rest by watching a lot of easy tv. I also saw a counsellor very early on who let me bawl my eyes out, at length, in her office a couple of times. As well as being a great valve release, this was valuable for me because with four kids and an elderly father-in-law at home, I couldn't really do it there.
That counsellor put me onto a breathing exercise that can help slow and reset your nervous system that is in overdrive at this time. So breathe in for four seconds, hold it for three, and exhale for six. Do that several times and you may feel a little calmer.
Meditation can help too if you want to give it a go. I used it a lot early on. I can't quite tell you how it worked but it seemed to create a breathing space in my highly overactive brain. I use the Headspace app on my phone. It has 'packs' of different lengths for cancer, anxiety, panic etc.
You can access a Breastcare nurse who can be amazing to talk to and advise you at any stage of a breast cancer or possible breast cancer diagnosis. Call the breast clinic at the hospital and ask for one. If they can't help you they should be able to point you in the right direction.
You can always ring the BCNA hotline on 1800 500 258. There's nothing the fab folk there haven't heard and they'll be able to assist, guide and comfort you.
What's worked for you in times of stress before? Exercise, a long walk or a swim? Hanging out with friends? Some people like to research the shit out of a subject, others prefer not to know too much. The important thing is to do what's right for you, be kind to yourself, be gentle with yourself. Accept all offers of help!
There is a young women group here you might like to join as well. There might be some specific advice there you could find useful.
http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/10-young-women
Most of us feel highly inconvenienced by a diagnosis of cancer. I mean, who has time for this crap?! But if you are getting on this train you just have to surrender to the notion that getting well is going to take time. It sucks! But this too shall pass. We're lucky to have world leading cancer treatment available to us here.
Everyone here is in your corner and rooting for you. We'll hold your hand as you step through the maze. So hang in there, take deep breaths, and ask as many questions, rant and vent as you need. Try to take things one day at a time, even one hour at a time. Remain present, put one foot in front of the other and try not cross any bridges until you come to them. Big hug, Kate xox
You poor love! The beginning is just the absolute pits. Waiting is awful and the fear of the unknown is a shocker. Please be reassured that you are not alone in either your emotions or circumstances. Also know that there are a lot of services and help available to you.
There are a number of things that can take the edge off this time. We're all different so they vary from person to person. The thing that worked best for me was good old fashioned distraction. I gave my brain a rest by watching a lot of easy tv. I also saw a counsellor very early on who let me bawl my eyes out, at length, in her office a couple of times. As well as being a great valve release, this was valuable for me because with four kids and an elderly father-in-law at home, I couldn't really do it there.
That counsellor put me onto a breathing exercise that can help slow and reset your nervous system that is in overdrive at this time. So breathe in for four seconds, hold it for three, and exhale for six. Do that several times and you may feel a little calmer.
Meditation can help too if you want to give it a go. I used it a lot early on. I can't quite tell you how it worked but it seemed to create a breathing space in my highly overactive brain. I use the Headspace app on my phone. It has 'packs' of different lengths for cancer, anxiety, panic etc.
You can access a Breastcare nurse who can be amazing to talk to and advise you at any stage of a breast cancer or possible breast cancer diagnosis. Call the breast clinic at the hospital and ask for one. If they can't help you they should be able to point you in the right direction.
You can always ring the BCNA hotline on 1800 500 258. There's nothing the fab folk there haven't heard and they'll be able to assist, guide and comfort you.
What's worked for you in times of stress before? Exercise, a long walk or a swim? Hanging out with friends? Some people like to research the shit out of a subject, others prefer not to know too much. The important thing is to do what's right for you, be kind to yourself, be gentle with yourself. Accept all offers of help!
There is a young women group here you might like to join as well. There might be some specific advice there you could find useful.
http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/10-young-women
Most of us feel highly inconvenienced by a diagnosis of cancer. I mean, who has time for this crap?! But if you are getting on this train you just have to surrender to the notion that getting well is going to take time. It sucks! But this too shall pass. We're lucky to have world leading cancer treatment available to us here.
Everyone here is in your corner and rooting for you. We'll hold your hand as you step through the maze. So hang in there, take deep breaths, and ask as many questions, rant and vent as you need. Try to take things one day at a time, even one hour at a time. Remain present, put one foot in front of the other and try not cross any bridges until you come to them. Big hug, Kate xox