I don't feel like myself
Hi, I'm new to the BCNA Online Network and have spent a little time today reading through some of your posts - just wanted to say thanks as I'm finding the posts useful, in some ways a little scary, but reassuring. I'm 54, I was diagnosed with early stage DCIS in late May this year - one week after starting a new contract job - and then it all just happened so fast. Thankfully I didn't need to have chemo and had radiation treatment about 6 weeks post surgery. During all of this, our family was dealing with dad's declining health (Parkinson's/dementia) and I took on the job of being with mum while working from home, visits to dad in hospital all while arranging a place for him in an aged care facility - I was desperate to get it all done before radiation treatment started. Yep I had a bit going on. I've been taking anastrozole for almost 3 weeks and the anxiety and low moods are really affecting me (hot flushes and night sweats aren't fun either but I can manage them). I'm also very emotional - just typing this makes me teary. I think my current role was a trigger for my anxiety and mood. I've lost confidence in my ability to perform the role, I feel like I'm letting my team down and myself - I feel silly for feeling this way. I'm currently off work because I had a meltdown (at work) and during this time off, I've been realising that roles with high stress/responsibility are not for me right now. My employer has been fantastic - very supportive and understanding. I'm pretty active and have a good diet and keep these practices going, even though some days are a struggle - it's one thing that's helping. I'm also seeing my GP this week to talk about all of this and about the medication - I feel like there is a lot more information I should know. But I'm not keen on treating these symptoms with anti-anxiety or anti-depressants. I'm interested to know if anyone has a recommendation for a naturopath that has experience in treating women dealing with the effects of hormone blockers. Thanks for "listening" - just sharing this has helped.Checkups
I was diagnosed in March 2018, mastectomy April 2018, chemo May- Oct 2018, now on Toremifene, had a second mastectomy Oct 2019, my choice, when I had reconstruction, waiting for another reconstruction. I dont have any checks or tests planned as I have finished treatment and when I queried I was told as per national guidelines there is no need. So do I just take the toremifene until the 5 years is up, is that from when I started on it or when I was diagnosed? Last appointment I had with oncologist was April 2019 and was told i was going longer than usual but I had extremely bad neuropathy pain and a reaction to tamoxifen. How do you cope knowing the cancer may be back but dont know? My breast care nurse is FABULOUS as is my surgeon, just confused and concerned. I dont have a GP as where I live only has locum doctors so its a different doctor every time I go.
Friday the 13th! Don't I know it!
It's not even my 1st cancerversary! I went to my physio today, been going for months for early prevention of lymphodema and cording. She asks, What is this bruising? I say, I noticed it last week/two weeks and thought I would keep an eye on it, but it looks to me just like the one I noticed before my diagnosis, and my boob is sore. She lays a hand on me and says Oh Beth......has a prod and a feel. Best you visit your GP asap. I already have a referral for mammogram and ultrasound from the surgeon pre empting my cancerversary in Feb. She says, make two appts, one with GP and another to get the scans done. Both booked in now, Tuesday for scans Thursday for GP. GOD , I hope we are both wrong! Not sure how to get through scanxiety without biting someone's head off! Thanks for listening , don't want to worry my extended family and friends over a "maybe". Oh, and the look of ' no way, not again' from my husband was heart wrenching . :(
