Supporting a loved one with post-cancer depression
Hi there, I'm looking for some guidance as to supporting a loved one who has developed symptoms of depression after surviving breast cancer. She has actually experienced breast cancer twice, as well as losing a close friend to metastatic breast cancer, all before the age of 50. Since completing chemotherapy the last time, she has really struggled. She's lost all self-confidence, lives in fear of it returning, and feels isolated and angry. When she's feeling really low, she asks "why me?" and feels as though she's being punished for something. I just wish she could be happy, but don't know what to do. I can't say anything that helps because I haven't lived in her shoes. Anytime we mention support groups, therapy or medication to help with her struggles, she becomes very defensive and feels even more isolated. I just don't know what to do. Perhaps if there was anyone who has shared a similar experience would have some insight? If so, I'd really appreciate it.
Husband not coping
Does anyone have any advice dealing with a husband who is not dealing with a diagnosis? He’s leaning on me for emotional support and has spent most of the holidays drunk (he was a heavy drinker before) but he just sees the diagnosis as using drinking as a way to cope. I’m trying to stay strong and recover from chemo while caring for our daughter. I’ve been dealing with things pretty well but his outlook is just causing tension and frustration. I understand he’s doing it tough but I need support now. I nursed him through a cancer diagnosis 5 years ago but he says he can’t handle it because it’s me. Sorry for the rant. Does anyone have any suggestions?
husband not coping with my physical appearance since failed reconstruction
Hi I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction on breast that was prev radiated - I was aware of risk might fail and unfortuantely that has happened. 'I am left with a mound with nipple and v confronting to look at as sort of collapsed on itself. My husband is really struggling with my appearance and cant bear to look at it. I think he has been in denial and now cant avoid fact.. he is quite angry and tells me is more that he is put off/disgusted by fact have put on weight(about 8kg) that fact have no breast. Does anyone know of a support group for partners/husbands or any ideas how I can support him? He is v resistant to counselling....:(support group in Melbourne
Hi. I am 43 years old from Melbourne- 12 years in Australia. I don't have any family in Australia. Only husband and our 9 years old daughter and I have only a few friends . I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 25 th October, went for the operation one month later. From 6 th January I will start my radiation 25 sessions.. I would like to reach to some support group, North of Melbourne, or City.Support groups Brisbane
Hi I live in Yeronga Brisbane and am new to this network . I am looking for a bc support group to join. Does any one know which would be the closest support group to me? I had early bc 8 years ago and had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment then got on with my life thinking it was all behind me. Then in February this year I found out it had come back again and I had to have a double mastectomy. On the plus side it was caught early again and I didn’t need chemo (y th he screenings worked for me 😊 I went to the BCNA conference on the Gold Coast last weekend and found it so helpful to talk to other women about their bc journey and share some laughs. I am having lat dorsi reconstruction with implants in February next year and would love to hear others experience with this surgery and the recovery process.
Breast Cancer, Childlessness and Us
Hello, Are there women or men in these forums that find themselves with breast cancer and happen to be childless, I would like to hear from you! Time after time I read on various forums the lack of empathy childless women receive when traveling through treatment. Automatically, we are referred to, just get your family to help out there. I am wanting to know if in your particular area, are there support groups for our demographic, and in fear of repeating myself happen to make up 38% of the population. I'd really like to hear your thoughts even if you do have children, just to gain a general idea of how people feel about this subject.
My mum- 46 yr old, grade 3 IDC- Lumpectomy surgery today
Hi Everyone, I'm 27 and my mum (46 years) has recently been diagnosed with a 14mm (pre surgery) grade 3 IDC and is about to have her lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy today. We wont know what stage and hormone status she is until the 29th. To give a bit of a background, her nanna and mum have both had breast cancer, with her mum being diagnosed at 44 (ILC, ER+ HER- recurrence in other breast 5 years after, Metastasized to bones and brain). Her mum passed away 10 years ago (60 years old) after a long battle. As you can imagine, this has been a fear of my mum's for many years and now that it has been realized we are all at a bit of a loss as to what is next in the process. Although treatment and technology have come a long way since my nan's diagnoses it is quite scary after seeing the battle my nan fought. At this point I'm just looking to reach out to people who have traveled this road. The anxiety and waiting is really hard to deal with and not knowing the full picture at this point.
On line support friends
We are so lucky to have the online service with Bcna. Recently a very good friend of mine lost her daughter to cancer. She was only 46 yrs. old. She didn't have breast cancer .The doctors could not find the original sorce of the cancer. She battled through surgery, chemo,and radiation treatment. During this time I know she had lots of support from family and friends.but there was no online support group like we have with the BCNA. We are able to discuss our feelings and get support from others going through the same treatment.which I have appreciated over the last few years. Thank you
Port Adelaide Support Group
This is in memory of Jean Jager, the beautiful, caring, leader of the Port Adelaide Support Group, that lost her battle on the 4th March 2013. My meeting with Jean just before my first chemo, she was so caring and she was so unwell herself as she was also having chemo. I was so touched when she rang me to see how I was..... and Her not good herself. She told me thats what we do we support each other. I'm not there yet Jean but I am going to try to follow in your footsteps. We do need to be there for each other as we are the only ones that understand xxxxx Rest in Peace Dear JEAN xxxxxx
Lets support our boys too! Online Partner Support Group
Hi Ladies I just wanted tell you about some of the support services available here on this site for our men. My husband was a tower of strength for me (as I am sure many of yours are/or try to be), but I found it surprising when he told me years later that he often drove to work with tears streaming down his face, thinking dark thoughts during my treatment and hospitalisation. So I think it is great that there are now groups her that can give them the support that they need (even if they dont admit that they need it). One group is completely closed so as they can be comfortable knowing that we/others can not read unless they want, others are open. So there are choices available to them. So please, if you think thes groups could be of interest to your partner, because I believe if they feel supported they are in turn able to support you better. I only wish my husband had somewhere to turn for support when I was diagnosed. Wishing you all well. Love Tanya xx