Scared about the side effects of treatment
Hello everyone, I'm 35 with two young girls- I was initially diagnosed with LCIS just after a routine scan- but after my mastectomy surgery 2 weeks ago, the pathology has come back that I have HER2+ estrogen and progesterone + Lobular carcinoma, but thankfully no spread. It was a real shock as I was not expecting this news, thinking I would only have to have the mastectomy and that would be it. I am starting chemo, immunotherapy and hormone therapy in a few weeks. After what I thought was going to be a relatively straight forward recovery after my mastectomy and 6 weeks off work the oncologist said I am now looking at 6+ months off due to the upcoming treatment. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and sacred about the effects of the upcoming treatment on my overall quality of life (and caring for 2 young children!). I will likely lose my hair with the chemo- the oncologist mentioned I could try the cold cap therapy- for those that have had it has it made a significant difference (the Dr said it takes a long time each chemo session to put on and off!)? I would also appreciate any insight into how to approach looking for some counselling support as well- would it be best to go through a GP or...? Thank you for reading, I'm so glad there is a support network like this available- I feel very alone so far. xx
Season 2: Podcast Series "What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman"
Charlotte is back with an 'unlimited' season! Season 2 of our popular Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman is available now (You have direct access via the bottom of the Online Network homepage) With over 58,000 listens, Season 1 proved to be a valuable resource that shared the reality of what it’s like going through a breast cancer experience. We heard about Dr Charlotte Tottman who established her own private practice in psycho oncology, before being diagnosed with breast cancer herself. Charlotte shared her lived experience with breast cancer, exploring common psychological triggers and responses, while providing tips of what helped her. (Read the popular Online Network discussion for the Season 1 via link Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman) This new season is 'unlimited' to reflect a broader experience from a clinical perspective, stripping away the common limitations imposed by the discomfort associated with difficult topics, while providing practical strategies to help people at any stage of their breast cancer experience. Start your day with Charlotte and Kellie as they have meaningful conversations about many topics including anxiety, advocating for yourself, causal beliefs, metastatic breast cancer, re-starting life after treatment, behavioural changes, boundary setting, different perspectives, side effects and the inevitable; death and mortality. Listen to What You Don't Know Until You Do: Unlimited via BCNA or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/bcna-resources/podcasts/charlotte-tottman-podcast-series/ Note: We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au
It’s booked
I finally agreed to seeing a psych for my pain trauma. I am booked in for my mental health plan next Monday and have already contacted the psych. I just booked in for my yearly mammogram check up for the good side and the thought of another biopsy, which hopefully isn’t necessary, set me off into pain trauma panic. Thought it best to get help before the possibility rather than after. I have also organised for my two yearly colonoscopy so more procedures to send me into a spin. Just as well mindfulness class is tomorrow!
Counselling
Hi I am new to all of this, I have recently been diagnosed and undergone a full right breast mastectomy. My appointment with my surgical specialists is this Thursday to discuss results from all the tests done on the tissue and tumours. I am unsure how to navigate through this online tool and also feel I need counselling. I need to talk to someone who understands what I am going through, how this affects me as a mum, a person and a wife. How to navigate back to being normal and able to let my husband look at me without me crying or feeling less of a woman. How to navigate through to letting my girls feel comfortable and me feel comfortable with them seeing me as I am now (we don't wander around naked but not have to warn then not to come into bedroom or bathroom would be nice)
Feeling a failure
Does anyone know if there is a phone consult available for breast cancer mental health? I had two lumpectomies and axillary clearance due to cancer in one node in early 2019. Then rads. Then hormone blockers. Started on Anastrozole, then Tamoxifen, then Exemestane, the Letrozole. All had such bad side effects I was taken off them. My liver went mad. I had such bad neuropathy I couldn’t walk or even hold a cup of tea. I had brain MRI to rule out MS. After being off them for a few days most of the neuropathy has gone except one spot on my leg. I have many other chronic conditions so pain is usual. However now I’m feeling better, I’m starting to regret not keeping on them. I know I can’t have them, but it’s making me feel like I should have persisted even if I needed help going to the loo and eating. Off them I can go walking, shopping, visiting, cooking, etc. I certainly am more healthy physically without them and I tell myself being active should help stop recurrence more than just sitting on the lounge or lying in bed. But my mind is telling me I failed. I should have tried harder. Has anyone else gone through this? I know I can get a mental health care plan but I really want to talk to someone who understands breast cancer, or any cancer actually. Any ideas?
Counseling/Support Information- desperate to talk - while I try to put my life back together
Hi all I am on the north side of Brisbane looking for a centre that provides support, particularly counseling, diet advice, physiotherapy, acupuncture, other natural therapies etc would be a bonus. I have tried the following avenues: (Name removed as per Community Guidelines) - I went here for a massage and the service was rushed and insensitive. The therapist talked the whole time and spoke about cancer like it was a common cold telling me that since having chemo I could never have a deep tissue massage again? Booked appointment was 45 mins, it ran for only 30 minutes. Although advertised on the website that there is specialised counseling there is no counseling available. The physiokey (like a tens massage) therapist introduced herself to me who was very friendly offered to provide support and counseling- she has no qualifications at all. (Name removed) -I made an appointment during my AC treatment (last October) which in hindsight I could not go to, and I missed. I recently rang to re-organise an appointment for exercise advice. The exercise physiologist was very surly and said she would call back later that day, she remembered me. She rang me back and was still rather jaded but did give me the information I required. I felt very judged despite apologizing for missing appointments last year. (Name removed) - They advertise a breast care package that includes massage, diet advice, acupuncture, exercise advice and counseling. When I called them to inquire about this they had no idea of this and advised I should come and see what they have available. This is primarily a sports medicine facility but was recommended because of the breast care package, which they knew nothing about when I called. (Name removed) - I am on the north side of Brisbane and was hoping to avoid a long drive. (Name removed) - Again on the North side and was hoping to avoid the drive. Is there any advice, or any suggestions, anyone has about counseling and support services such as 'diet, physio, acupuncture, exercise, massage etc, etc'. Counseling post cancer diagnosis and treatment is a specialised area and I stunned to find limited services. I had considered phone counseling but I am 'face to face' type for counseling to be beneficial. Primarily I need some counseling but I also want some comfort for my body which had been through so much since diagnosis July 2017. I may sound whingey but BC has changed me and I want what I want now. Underneath the surface I feel extremely vulnerable and I just want some support (body and soul) while I put my life back together. What positive experiences have people had? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Anxiety is a BITCH - as is depression
ANXIETY IS A BITCH All because someone said or did something, along comes that feeling, the tight chest, the unease etc... sometimes you don't even know what triggered it, it just hits you. Then you feel anxious about the anxiety! This in turn can lead to depression. So - That is how it starts - and the first step would be to call the hotline here & chat about it 1800500258 Or - see if your local health service or Cancer Clinic has access to a Counsellor/psychologist for a chat. There are many ways that chatting with a total stranger can help you ..... Some more benefits of counselling ..... It happens to ALL of us at one stage or another. Don't wait for it to become a major problem - get onto it early, learn some coping mechanisms (eg identifying the triggers) and disarm it before it becomes a major issue Take care xxx
Counselling support & depression on Tamoxifen
Hi! I have been cancer free for 3 years and have noticed recently that I’m getting bouts of really bad depression and think it is before I have my period. Is anyone else dealing with this whilst on Tamoxifen?? Also, whilst going through treatment, I just went through the motions until I got through it all, worked throughout everything until it all went back to “normal” and now I think I need to seek counselling this all, as I don’t think I ever gave a chance for myself to process everything. Has anyone else seen a counsellor post cancer and how did you go about it? Are there any specific services?? Thanks!
My marriage needs counselling
I'm 2 years NED. I'm one of "the lucky ones" whereby I feel absolutely fantastic physically despite my medications which consist of Femara and monthly Zoladex injections. However, mentally, I fell down hard with possible depression, anxiety and ptsd. I sought professional help early in "my journey", but fired my psychologist week 4 as she told me I was "a very challenging case" and I felt I was not given any help with my situation at all. I have never taken anti-depressants. Anyway, fast forward to today and I honestly feel like "the dark clouds" have lifted...just like that. YAY!!! I know I will always suffer scanxiety...but my mind most certainly feels clearer. HOWEVER, my marriage has suffered. My husband is the love of my life, but he has never been a good communicator when "the shit hits the fan"...hence cancer talk, depression talk etc etc has always been off limits.I have always tried to talk openly about "how Im travelling" but he has always put the wall up...maybe thats his coping mechanism..but this has left me feeling very isolated and misunderstood...and our marriage has suffered. We have had "the talk" and want to move forward together from this point carrying ALL OUR EXCESS BAGGAGE. My question is...do we seek marriage counselling, or is it cancer counselling, do we go together for help...or just him or just me? Where do we start???
