Relationships

I know I feel quite changed after treatment and it is taking time to feel good about our own bodies again. Even the change in my regrown hair has an impact. My husband has struggled and having his own issues (loss of libido ..possibly depression / medication related ) and it's  easy for us to think it's because of how we look. Yet I know it's not... he loved me fat , thin whatever, it never mattered before. It's  not unusual I believe to feel like a spectator rather than being a part of life as things just stop for a while during treatment. Men are poor communicators. Psychology / counselling sessions are a great start, medication may be needed if no better but it is never an easy fix, you still have to work at reclaiming your life. I know my chemo really plunged me into depression and only now do I feel I have some of my life back...12 months on. I'm working again 28 hours a week, exercising in group classes and am planning future things. 6 months ago I couldn't do any of that.

The art group is a great idea. Have you done the YWCA encore program? Great way to connect with others and get you back to fitness also. Exercise also helps to lift our mood and improve body image as we becone stronger and more toned. Chemo really impacts on that too.

The mental recovery of this experience I believe is harder than the physical. Take care. Kath x