Family friends and foes

sredd7681

I was recently diagnosed and have had lumpectomy and am waiting to see whether or not I'll have chemo.  I'm definitely having radiation and Arimidex.  I'm still trying to absorb all this and cannot deal with other stress.  My 33 yr old daughter is mentally ill and my cancer has make every thing more volatile and crazy.  I just can't deal with it anymore.  I find myself bursting into tears in public and I am completely undone.  My brother and sisters are very supportive but too far away.  I know I'm whining but I am so low.  I know I'll rally, too.  But when?  Does anyone know if there are support groups for this combination of horrors?  Sinking here, in San Jose, CA.

NancyD

If there is a breast cancer center in your city, stop by and see if they have a social worker on staff. Many do. They may be able to direct to to support services in your area.

dlb823

sredd ~ I'm so sorry about your tough situation.  Do you attend any support groups?  Both the facility where you're being treated and your local American Cancer Society office should have them available.   The ACS also should have a full slate of other services, some of which might be helpful for your situation. 

Has your PCP reviewed any anti-anxiety meds you're on?  Same for your daughter.  The stress of what you're going through might be making anything you and she have been on less effective right now, and they may need to be adjusted or changed.

I also highly second Nancy's suggestion that you talk to the social worker wherever you're being treated.  They have access to all kinds of services and might have some practical suggestions, as well as being able to give you some new coping skills for the situation.  And, at least at the two places I've been treated, it's all included in your care (no extra charge).

So sorry you're going through this, but hang in there!  Treatment sometimes seems like it's forever, but it does end, and life does get back to more normal once you finish your treatment.  Deanna