Forum Discussion
Ellamary98
8 years agoMember
I can't connect with my diagnosis..
Hi there, This is my first post for 5 years. A month ago, I was diagnosed with metastatic bc in my spine and rib, 5 years almost to the day of my initial diagnosis. I am perfectly well, and it was picked up after a routine oncology check showed elevated markers in my blood. The week that my oncologist phoned me, I was completely snowed under with work and family commitments. My aunt had died whilst I was sitting with her, the day previously, and I was responsible for organising her funeral arrangements. I had a thesis proposal due in, and a critical work project about to begin. My husband was interstate, and I was playing catch up at home, having just arrived back from a European trip. It was chaotic.
Initially, I had a tiny cry and did some swearing, but then I decided that I could not afford to indulge in any kind of medical drama, and I put it aside to be dealt with later. The thing is, now that life has settled down a bit, I am having trouble even connecting with my diagnosis. It feels neither real, nor important- although my head knows that it is huge.
I have told my siblings- by text message, but advised them not to contact me because "I have no interest in discussing it right now'. I have told my 5 children ( teens) in as upbeat and dismissive a manner as possible, but cannot bring myself to tell my father. I have told my closest friends, but they are under instructions not to share the information. It is business as usual. I know that my friends and family want me to open up, but I hate drama and I despair at the idea that I will be forever considered through the lens of cancer. I feel the need to control the information, because I know that it will be dynamite to my broader family and friend group. I cannot deal with everyone's fear when I am unable to even connect with it myself. They were all so wonderfully supportive through my initial treatment, but that can be overwhelming, too.
I suppose my question is, How did others share the diagnosis in a way which didn't feel like dropping a bomb? Did others feel this remarkable sense of calm, and is it going to hit me like a ton of bricks?
Initially, I had a tiny cry and did some swearing, but then I decided that I could not afford to indulge in any kind of medical drama, and I put it aside to be dealt with later. The thing is, now that life has settled down a bit, I am having trouble even connecting with my diagnosis. It feels neither real, nor important- although my head knows that it is huge.
I have told my siblings- by text message, but advised them not to contact me because "I have no interest in discussing it right now'. I have told my 5 children ( teens) in as upbeat and dismissive a manner as possible, but cannot bring myself to tell my father. I have told my closest friends, but they are under instructions not to share the information. It is business as usual. I know that my friends and family want me to open up, but I hate drama and I despair at the idea that I will be forever considered through the lens of cancer. I feel the need to control the information, because I know that it will be dynamite to my broader family and friend group. I cannot deal with everyone's fear when I am unable to even connect with it myself. They were all so wonderfully supportive through my initial treatment, but that can be overwhelming, too.
I suppose my question is, How did others share the diagnosis in a way which didn't feel like dropping a bomb? Did others feel this remarkable sense of calm, and is it going to hit me like a ton of bricks?
47 Replies
- wendy55MemberHi @Tennille ,
Just wanted to say congratulations on what you are achieving at the moment,and that I love your attitude to life, it put a smile on my face, just what I need to start the day.
wendy55 - TennilleMemberMy kids range from 3 to 21. I am an RN currently doing casual agency work and my Masters will be in Human Rights. Its always hard to get our heads around a metastatic diagnosis but I believe in the power of faith, positive attitude, trust in medicine and a healthy lifestyle. I wont let this disease beat me.
- Ellamary98MemberWow, @Tennille! 11! I have 5 and at times that's crazy. Like you, I am doing a Masters Degree, although I just have a final thesis to complete. Too much life to live-I have zero interest in slowing down right now. Good luck with your studies- what area of research?
- EastmumMember@Tennille - you are an absolute legend! 11 kids - that’s incredible - what a blessing! What’s the age range? I’m in awe with 4!
- SisterMemberSome daughters do 'ave 'em! I hope your 7 yo is okay.
- Kiwi_AngelMember@Tennille u go girl!!! xo
- TennilleMemberIts all good. I told her I was living not dying and to knock it off. Have 11 kids to raise and I am starting a Master's degree in July and I plan on walking across that stage on my own 2 feet when I am done!
- ZoffielMemberGawd @tennille it must suck to be her sometimes. On the other hand, that she told you in that setting does show a degree of....not sure what.
Little documented side effect of BC, you can have episodes where your eyes cross then roll backwards while trying to keep your mouth shut. - SoldierCrabMember@Tennille
when my mother did that in front of my boys with autism, I threw it back and said don't worry I wont be buried as I am donating my body to science..... shocked silence by her.... - EastmumMember@Tennille - good lord! I have to be honest, I would have been tempted to reply 'well you'll never know because you'll be six feed under before I am' - guess I would have had to bite my tongue?