Flat and Sad

Hi  Katiet, So sorry for your loss of a good friend. ?? I guess that makes us all face our mortality. Its very scary at times. I had a bilateral mastectomy, node disection and now on a road of 6 mths chemo and herceptin for a year. I will also be hoping to go back to work. At the moment it seems so far away. I wish you well and wish for you happy thoughts and dreams of your friend. Love Airlie ?? 

Katie, I am in hospital after a mastectomy, following two failed operations in February to remove cancer in my right breast.  I heard of the death of my own dear friend from bc between the first two operations, and attended her funeral four days after the second operation.  I chose to remember her happy smile and courage as she fought her battle, and know that she would want me to remember her with joy and a smile for the good times.  In her memory, I am going to try to do things to support women suffering from breast cancer, such as fund-raising and making those wonderful little cushions and drainage bag holders that the breast care nurses give out.  I also take heart from the support of the wonderful women on this site. Remember that you are not alone in your struggle and unhappiness.

Hi Katie,

sincere condolences about your dear friend. I too lost a close friend to Bc and then was diagnosed myself a few months later.  

We are forever changed, that much I know. You may feel weird going back to work. Or you may actually enjoy the distraction!  I know For me it has been an adjustment to 're-enter' the world and it works to be really kind to yourself. I can feel isolated because I feel some people don't understand what I've been through, but just I'm taking tiny step by tiny step and Not expecting too much of myself. 

You will rise again from flat and sad - this much I also know, but you are allowed this time and these feelings. Let them flow, then when the time is right, let them go xxx

Hi Katie - it is normal to feel so flat and sad when you've attended a funeral.  It is a time of reflection and hopefully in time your sadness will turn to smiles whenever you think about your friend.

Flat as a tack is how I describe it, can't get out of your own way to save yourself as you feel all so consumed by everything that this Breast Cancer journey has thrown up.

For you personally you are heading for your last infusion of Herceptin and that in itself deserves a Yay!  Feeling tired, flat, weary is understandable.  Don't be hard on yourself! 

Work; another life!  Life as we knew it changes when we are diagnosed.  Work is a means to an end.  Something we do for a result.  Life changes with diagnosis and our focus changes but as you come out of active treatment you may find your energy and enthusiasm return for your work.

Take care

Christine xx