Running on EMPTY and anti social?

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aquamarine
aquamarine Member Posts: 18
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hello ladies

I was treated for DCIS with 1mm microinvasion by a bilat mx . no radiation, no hormone therapy. they just said I was done. Although I am very grateful to be finished, I just can't get back to "normal". I just dont care about the things I used to love to do. And I'm very very antisocial. I dont want to be around people other than my close family. My voicemail is full I can't be bothered to check it let alone return the calls. ESPECIALLY dont want to be around the "OH MY GOD, ARE YOU OKAAAYYY???" comments and questions. I have kept most of the details to myself I am a very private person. Receiving pity and concern just makes me angry inside. Angry that BC happened, angry that I was unable to protect myself despite eating healthily following an active lifestyle. 

I don't cry anymore, I don't feel sadness anymore. Just very empty. Embarassed  I realize there are people around me that care sincerely for me and my family, but I just (unrealistically) wish we could all just pretend this never happened. 

My surgery was just over a month ago. Do these feelings get better with time? Thanks.  

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited October 2009

    I believe these feelings get better with Help.  You sound very sad and perhaps depressed, and I feel for you.  I understand you don't want to talk to others about your diagnosis of breast cancer but you may well benefit in taking care of yourself by meeting with a counselor.  Be it a social worker at the cancer center, or a psychologist who you feel comfortable with.  You don't really need a psychiatrist, because you don't seem mentally ill or in dire need of psychotrophic medications.

    You may benefit from only a few visits with a good counselor, and I know I found it very helpful, along with some mild antidepressants.

    Many of us feel we are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and it is likely we are.  We also deserve to have this addressed by a professional to help us return to a good quality of life.

    I wish you well, and will keep you in my thoughts.

    Dotti

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  • LittleRed
    LittleRed Member Posts: 223
    edited October 2009

    Dear aquamarine:

    So sorry you are feeling so sad.  I agree with iodine that you could benefit from reaching out to someone.  We all come to this site from a different place, but we are all here because we need the support of others who understand and walk in our shoes.  Things do get better with time, but why struggle by yourself when you can get help?  Counseling, antidepressants, and talking with others who have had similar experiences has helped me alot.  You deserve to come through all that you have and find your smile again - we all do.

    Wishing  you the best -

    Be good to you -

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited October 2009

    Everyone handles a diagnosis differently and there is no shame in feeling depressed.  A bc dianosis comes as a real shock esp. at such a young age.  While you may be helped by any and all the remedies suggested by the other ladies, you might also want to go over to one of the other threads that are specifically for young women such as yourself.

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  • aquamarine
    aquamarine Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2009

    Thank you all very much. I think i would benefit from seeing a therapist. As difficult as it is to admit it I think I could use a little help. 

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited October 2009

    Yeah, that's probably one of the hardest things for so many of us: seeking help.  You have already come a long way and demonstrate courage in seeking counseling.  Good for you!

    Blessings and I look forward to seeing you here, too.

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