Hi
Second diagnosis . Waiting for my pet, cat and bone scans next week.
Seeing breast surgeon two weeks.
How do i cope with the feelings of wanting to give up. Scared, trying to make myself eat something. I know results will be bad
Thankyou. I had planned to call the helpline, but weekend and Public holiday tomorrow. Will definitely call on Tuesday. And watch suggested podcasts
It is not a public holiday in Victoria .... they had theirs last weekend! :)
HiLeelee2
Have a listen to the Dr Charlotte Tottman podcasts - she is a psychologist who specialized in treating breast cancer patients who herself got breast cancer - very illuminating and helpful .
I found trying to keep busy helped - everyone is different but the one thing I can say is that BCNA has an amazing array of resources and this online forum is very helpful - we all “ get it” in a way those who have never received this diagnosis never can.
Take care.
Hi Leelee2 I am so sorry to read this is your 2nd diagnosis xx That's a tough call. xx. I hope you are surrounded by family & good friends, who will help you get thru these early days again xx
I'd suggest you give our Helpline a call tomorrow - on 1800 500 258 (9-5) & have a confidential One-on-One chat to help lessen your fears xx
Do you have a Breast Care Nurse assigned to you yet? They can also be a close confident too - some may even sit in on your with appointments, if available.
Try not to get ahead of yourself with the 'what ifs' as they may not even happen! Try & keep yourself busy doing things you love xx Do ANYTHING that will help to keep your mind off the next week or so xx (I just went fishing every day!)
And DEFINITELY stay away from Dr Google - as a lot of info online doesn't relate to your diagnosis & even more of it is old & out of date! .... With a bit of luck, the results won't be as bad as you fear xx Even if found to be advanced, BC treatments in recent years have become so focused (with immunotherapy & other new treatments) that even some with Stage 4 BC are now being treated as 'chronic but treatable' ....
Consider having a listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts below - Charlotte is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, having had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically! Her own reaction to her diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect! She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html.
Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching!
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/
There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737
Take care & all the best for your ongoing scans/results & surgeon appointments (I'd suggest you record your appointments on your phone, as it is difficult to remember everything that is said at the time. Also have a trusted friend or family member with you, for support xx. Wishing you all the best.
