Would like to chat to others
Hi all I am 6 months post bilateral mastectomies and still having a few issues. Haven’t been to follow up appointments because I am a nurse and hate being in the patient side. Haven’t been to also avoided all counselling as I feel there are women far worse off than me but would be good to chat to women who have been through the same. Emma
Anyone “sacked” their oncologist?
Hi there, I just heard a wonderful ABC radio podcast by Tim Baker, who has stage four prostate cancer. He’s an author. While it might seem to have nothing to do with breast cancer, I found much of what he says resonated so strongly with me. Firstly, like some women with breast cancer, he was put on hormone therapy which resulted in big mood swings and feeling suicidally flat. He says, like me, that he was given no warning of this by his oncologist and was just handed several sheets of paper listing possible side effects. He also says that after four years of seeing his oncologist and feeling fed up with the lack of support and empathy, he sacked him and found another. I am not at that stage but I might be one day… Is this something you have contemplated too? If so, how did you find one who did more for you?
You've got this...
I know we all have good days and we all have bad days, hell, sometimes it's good hours and bad hours, not even days. I hope this helps a little: The path maybe rocky, with many twists and turns, there’s going to be downward slopes where you’ll slip and loose control. There’ll be steep trails where you’re likely to trip and stumble, but remember, each step is a step forward. Each day brings you closer to the end. Every morning gives you another day to strive. The light at the end of the tunnel is still there, even if you loose sight of it some days. KEEP GOING, YOU’VE GOT THIS You’re loved by many, Supported by more people than you know. You’ve more strength than you can imagine. Lift your head and walk on, YOU’VE GOT THIS
How can psychologists help?
Hey everyone, I am new to this community but I am eager to learn more. I am a provisional psychologist in Melbourne interested in helping people cope with the emotional difficulties that come with cancer. Whilst I am an outsider (I have not personally had cancer), I feel that the psychological side of cancer can often be neglected, especially during the survivorship period! (would you agree?) I have posted elsewhere on this forum, but please feel free to reply to this post and share your mental health journey with cancer to help me gain a better understanding of your personal experiences! Also, what should mental health professionals be doing differently? What are the barriers to accessing adequate mental health support? I am looking forward to your posts and further discussions :)
