Im new here
Hi everybody I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in April 2016. I am on three weekly Herceptin and Perjeta plus Letrozole. I have tumours in both breasts, in lymph and lungs Its good to...
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No worries @Bird. Do you have psychologist or counsellor? I know they're not for everyone. I was hesitant but desperately needed help so took the plunge. I've found it very helpful. I see a community funded psychologist (so affordable) who's been treating breast cancer patients for 12 years. There's nothing she hasn't heard. If this is a path you want to pursue, ask all your medical team who they'd recommend. It's important to find someone you 'click' with, so it might take some time to find the right person.
Do you have a BreastCare Nurse? They can be incredible, and a great resource. Can you talk to her as often as you need? Do you feel better when you do?
Staying in the moment is a key for managing fear. Easy to say but harder to do! BC brought me to meditation, via apps on my phone. There are lots out there; I settled on Headspace. The guy who does this had cancer himself so brings an understanding to his practice. There's even a mediation pack there for cancer.
I'm not very good at meditating but it does do something. I find it hard to define, but each time it seems to create some space in my head that wasn't there 15 minutes earlier. And it does tell and teach you to stay in the moment, to take one day at a time, focus on the moment, to stay in it.
Activities that occupy your mind are good. Playing music uses both sides of your brain; hard to think of anything else when you're playing an instrument.
Good old fashioned relaxation, and distraction. Many find doing a big puzzle great for this! I found the distraction of a (not too heavy) TV show to be the only thing that helped me when I was frantic and distraught at the beginning of this BC experience. Anything to not be all up in my head and emotions.
Are you a religious person? I'm not, but I know talking frequently to a minister brought my sister great comfort.
I am not in your position and would never presume to know how it feels. What I do know is that no one knows the date of their death. It is good for all of us to focus on staying in the moment, to live our lives one day at a time, and make the most of every one of those days. Be kind to yourself, accept help, surround yourself with friends and family, or seek solitude if that's what you need. One foot in front of the other, and breathe deeply. Big, big hugs. K xox
Do you have a BreastCare Nurse? They can be incredible, and a great resource. Can you talk to her as often as you need? Do you feel better when you do?
Staying in the moment is a key for managing fear. Easy to say but harder to do! BC brought me to meditation, via apps on my phone. There are lots out there; I settled on Headspace. The guy who does this had cancer himself so brings an understanding to his practice. There's even a mediation pack there for cancer.
I'm not very good at meditating but it does do something. I find it hard to define, but each time it seems to create some space in my head that wasn't there 15 minutes earlier. And it does tell and teach you to stay in the moment, to take one day at a time, focus on the moment, to stay in it.
Activities that occupy your mind are good. Playing music uses both sides of your brain; hard to think of anything else when you're playing an instrument.
Good old fashioned relaxation, and distraction. Many find doing a big puzzle great for this! I found the distraction of a (not too heavy) TV show to be the only thing that helped me when I was frantic and distraught at the beginning of this BC experience. Anything to not be all up in my head and emotions.
Are you a religious person? I'm not, but I know talking frequently to a minister brought my sister great comfort.
I am not in your position and would never presume to know how it feels. What I do know is that no one knows the date of their death. It is good for all of us to focus on staying in the moment, to live our lives one day at a time, and make the most of every one of those days. Be kind to yourself, accept help, surround yourself with friends and family, or seek solitude if that's what you need. One foot in front of the other, and breathe deeply. Big, big hugs. K xox