I don't feel like myself
Hi, I'm new to the BCNA Online Network and have spent a little time today reading through some of your posts - just wanted to say thanks as I'm finding the posts useful, in some ways a little scary, b...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Capricorn68
The emotional/psychological aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis can be just as challenging as the physical impacts.
Like you I didn’t have to have chemo but did have a mastectomy, radiotherapy and have been on aromatise inhibitors for 18 months.
I am a person who most people would describe as resilient and in control but I was a bit of any emotional wreck for quite some time after my diagnosis.
I actually think it’s a bit like grieving a death - it’s the death of your formerly bulletproof self.
I did see a psychologist who specialised in treating cancer related stress for a couple of sessions and that helped.
I also saw an exercise physiologist and acupuncturist for a few months and both helped too.
I do find exercise helps with my moods as well as physically - 2 years on from the diagnosis people tell me I look well and I am in a much better headspace .
I was lucky I was semi retired when diagnosed at age 62, I still do some work but at a pace that suits me.
I also find it easier to say no to things now as a cancer diagnosis does lead to a certain re calibration of what is important.
Take care and I am glad you found this website and forum there is a lot of very useful stuff on here and everyone on the forum “ gets it” in a way someone who hasn’t been
there never will.
🌺
The emotional/psychological aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis can be just as challenging as the physical impacts.
Like you I didn’t have to have chemo but did have a mastectomy, radiotherapy and have been on aromatise inhibitors for 18 months.
I am a person who most people would describe as resilient and in control but I was a bit of any emotional wreck for quite some time after my diagnosis.
I actually think it’s a bit like grieving a death - it’s the death of your formerly bulletproof self.
I did see a psychologist who specialised in treating cancer related stress for a couple of sessions and that helped.
I also saw an exercise physiologist and acupuncturist for a few months and both helped too.
I do find exercise helps with my moods as well as physically - 2 years on from the diagnosis people tell me I look well and I am in a much better headspace .
I was lucky I was semi retired when diagnosed at age 62, I still do some work but at a pace that suits me.
I also find it easier to say no to things now as a cancer diagnosis does lead to a certain re calibration of what is important.
Take care and I am glad you found this website and forum there is a lot of very useful stuff on here and everyone on the forum “ gets it” in a way someone who hasn’t been
there never will.
🌺