I'm just not feeling it

Hi Julie, I understand how you are feeling, I didn't cry a lot at first, and felt quite foggy. Thank goodness for my treatment team, who gave me precise information and helped me with decision making. I'm sending you a big cuddle, and hope that it all becomes clearer for you soon, Trace ??????

Hi Julie, what you are feeling os not at all unusual. I was diagnosed in May this year, have had 6 cycles of chemo, and will be having surgery on Friday. I still have a feeling that it's all happening to someone else, it's not quite real.

Take care, Lyn

Hi Julie,

The first few weeks are so strange really.  I remember when the Doctor finally confirmed what I already new it was all so unceremonious.  You are walking around with this piece of information that will change everything.   I kept waiting for a big breakdown that never really happened, over the last few months I have certainly had some moments but honestly sometimes it all still feels very surreal.  You are definitely not a fraud and will feel what you need to when you need to.

Big hugs Emma

Hi Julie - I too like others did not have any illness around BC. My journey started in April this year. We are all on a journey with individual treatment.  For me it was definite; a mastectomy and I too only needed Panadol during the recovery period. 

As to the Oncology side there were options put up and we, as in husband and I, were given the opportunity to choose. 

I note you comment about being like a fraud, that is how I felt as visitors kept saying but you look so well.  I had to say to them but I was healthy going into the operation and I think that is what has aided the recovery. 

Your medical team and breast care nurse will help guide you through the next decision making process.  A treatment plan that will be shaped specifically for you.

This journey reminds us all how quickly our everyday living is turned upside down. Take care and take time to enjoy the little things around you.  At the moment I am hanging out for my Peony roses to flower, the buds have started. 

Wishing you all the best

Christine xx

Hello Julie,I read your post and I could relate to it well.In the early days,I felt nothing either.I think it's a common thing with a lot of cancers.You don't actually feel sick,and a lot of times,it is the treatment that makes you feel sick,not the actual illness.We get the flu we felt terrible,we get BC we feel nothing!! Go figure!! As for treatment,be guided by your doctor only.Everyones results are so different,even if the actual type of BC is the same,so only your doctor knows the best for you.I was given a choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy,and I chose mastectomy.When I did,my surgeons words were,' I think that's a good choice'. Part of my reason for this was that a friend of mine had a lumpectomy,and 12 months later she needed a mastectomy because it was not all gone the first time.It you choose a mastectomy,let me tell you that it is surprisingly pain free!!! I only needed Panadol :):) Take care and keep in touch on here.Cheers Robyn xox

Yes I felt like I was in denial for a long time. I apologised to my GP when she gave me the news as she was more upset than me. I heard the term "cognitive dissonance" and it described it well. 

My theory is that it is partly ignorance, partly grieving, and denial is one stage of that, right. Once you get out of denial, you - slowly, over many weeks - confront your loss. Your loss of certainty, of future plans, of trust in your body, etc. Each loss is different.

Even if your treatment experience isn't too bad, it is not what any of us thought would happen. That takes a while to get your head around. If you do, let me know how ;)

Hi Julie

I am sorry you have had to join us but welcome to the site where you will get lots of support from the wonderful women here.

It is very hard to get your head around it all isn't it? You are going through a lot and it is a shock to be dealing with breast cancer especially when you don't feel unwell. There is no right or wrong way to feel and we all deal with it differently. Making decisions about mastectomies depends a lot on the advice of your medical team and how you want to approach it. Have they advised you to consider mastectomy? Do you have treatment plan? Once you have that it should be a lot clearer. I understand how confusing it all is. I ended up with a mastectomy after a lumpectomy and chemo on the advice of my breast surgeon. 

All the best, and keep posting, someone will always answer.

Lisa