How do I know if I have PTSD?

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cs34
cs34 Member Posts: 253
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Since my diagnosis, DMX, latt flap, chemo, rads, and ooph, my fiance's daughter stole all of my jewelry, his son disrespected me on a daily basis while living in my house and not abiding by my rules and my fiance got addicted to pain killers. All in the last 3 1/2 years. 

After the jewelry was stolen, I asked his son to leave and then I asked my fiance to leave 12/1/11, took six months of mortgage money from my 401K because I can't afford it on my own and that ran out. 

Now, I have to sell my house at a loss, possibly ruin my credit, move back to my mother's and get back on my feet. Oh, and I also have 60 lbs to lose.  

Where do I start? 

I have been calling for therapist's by my house that take my insurance and spoke to one yesterday that was going away and gave me names in NYC by my job and as we were hanging up said, "Make sure you call those numbers. You need help!" 

Jeeeeezzzz...thanks! Thanks for sharing!!!! Am I going to end up in a rubber room over all of this? How do I know if I have PTSD?

Anyone else have a boat load of other problems while having to battle your breast cancer? I know life doesn't stop just because we had/have bc but this is a little much, right?  

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  • RoulaG
    RoulaG Member Posts: 239
    edited June 2012

    Cs34, I would definitely seek some professional help, if just to talk through all the crap you have had to deal with the past few years. I believe any women or man diagnosed with cancer of any kind should be seen for PTSD period. It is a life altering experience and psychological help to deal with the emotional stress is a definite step in the healing process.



    Add to that the emotional turmoil you have had to endure in the last few years by people who should have supported you, I don't see how you can go on and live a normal life without some professional help.



    Remember, I don't believe that seeking help is wrong, it is must! I am also seeking help for my children and husband as I move from treatment to back to life. This event has forever changed me as well as my families sense of security, it is truly unfair and anything I can do to help them find peace is what I will do!

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  • cs34
    cs34 Member Posts: 253
    edited June 2012

    Hi RoulaG,

    Thank you. I appreciate your input. I have to do something. 

    Would you believe it if I told you the minute after I posted my initial post, a friend called to tell me she heard my ex wants to ask someone out? I've been with him for eight years. He went to rehab "to get our lives back together" and started using the second day he was home. This was June 5th, a few weeks ago.

    I cried when I heard and boy, does it hurt but I'm free now.

    I certainly don't want to see them together nor would I like to have dinner with them but I am free to move forward now. I needed it to happen this way. I prayed he would leave me alone and that he would meet someone so I can move ahead. 

    I hope this is the last of the heartbreaks for a little while...at least a few months or so of no heartbreak. I don't know how much more I can take.

    I'm waiting for a therapist to return my call that my Oncologist's office recommended. All of the other doctors in the city were too far from my office.

    I'm trying...I'm trying...  

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  • RoulaG
    RoulaG Member Posts: 239
    edited June 2012

    Hang in there - sometimes things happen for a reason. It was not meant to be with this guy. Obviously, he is not the man you need right now. I am sure there is someone out there that will love you and support you the way you should be. The fact that this guy is moving on, or trying to will help you loads. I know it hurts, but this will pass. I had relationships that never worked out for one reason or another. In the end I am much happier and I found someone who is the perfect man for me.



    You deserve happiness, understanding, companionship and love, never settle for anything less! Be true to yourself first!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2012

    Hi cs34,

    We're so sorry you're going through all of this! PTSD is a very real side effect of breast cancer. The main Breastcancer.org site has a helpful page on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which includes symptoms and tips to help manage it.

    Hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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