I want off this emotional rollercoaster

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I know that this situation will get better and at some point life will get back to normal.  It's been almost 4 weeks since my BMX and my emotions are still all over the board.  I was fortunate enough to not need Rads or Chemo so my situation is not as difficult as it for others in this struggle.  I have a day or two where I feel pretty good and feel like I'm okay with all this and just want to get on with life.  Then I find myself glued to the couch doing absolutely nothing, with no motivation to do anything.  There have been several times that I just start crying for no reason at all. It's not even just crying, but bawling and then I can't stop.  My husband asks what's wrong and I can't even say what's wrong because I don't really know why I'm upset. I know that this is a difficult time, but at one point does it get easier?  I need to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Comments

  • ruffy
    ruffy Member Posts: 141
    edited January 2013

    Sorry you're having a hard time, totally normal And understandable and it does get easier :) you've been through alot, be gentle and kind with yourself - I had alot of tears at the weirdest moments and still do, but the reference to it being a roller coaster is true. And after we ride the same one a few times it slowly starts to not be so scary, and you start to recognize the ups and downs and it gets easier :) it really does. Hope this helps :)

  • ShaneOak
    ShaneOak Member Posts: 206
    edited January 2013

    Thanks, Ruffy.  Today seems to be a better day.  I appreciate your kind words.

  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited January 2013

    Hi ShaneOak,

    I have been having issues with depression also.  I feel as though I am coming out of it, but am so afraid that it will come back.  I was diagnosed at the end of last March.  I had a BMX with reconstruction, chemo, radiation, and now I'm on Tamoxifen.  When my PS told me I was all done at my appointment last week, I started to cry.  I thought I wanted to be all done!  I have allowed stress from work to mushroom out of proportion.  I don't know if the Tamoxifen is playing havoc with my moods, if it's kind of like PTS or if it's my age, as my husband suggests.  Whatever is causing these feelings needs to stop!  I have an appointment with my MO on Wednesday and I'm going to ask about counseling.  I'm trying really hard to not let my dark thoughts take over again. 

    I hope you're doing well today and have found some peace.

  • Moonpie39
    Moonpie39 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    Dear ShaneOak,



    I just went through a similar situation and am availabe to chat with you anytime. This is all incredibly difficult. If you would like to talk, send me a private message and I'll give you my phone number. Sometimes a good hear makes things better.

    Love to you!

  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited January 2013

    Shane, first, realize you are very, very new to your diagnosis.  It hasn't even been a month since your surgery. I would think a double mastectomy is very traumatic, and takes time to adjust.  I don't know your backstory, or how old you are, but chances are all the tests, the confirmation of bc and surgery happened so rapidly that now you are left dealing with the emotional part that you might not have had time for up till now because you were dealing with appointments and consultations and new doctors, ect. Please, be easy on yourself.  It is okay to be sad.  Give yourself the time to be sad.

    If I would offer any other advice, I would say, do only the things that you really want to do, that bring you enjoyment.  Do less housework and other things you feel obligated to do.  Go see a great movie, read some books that you've been putting off reading because you were so busy, shop for some great buys, get your hair and nails done, get a massage, take a day trip to somewhere you want to go to get away from it all, immerse yourself in a fun tv show or plan your summer vacation.  

    You WILL get past this, it's just gonna take some time.  Right now I would think your body and emotions are still dealing with the shock of it all.  Love yourself through it.

  • ShaneOak
    ShaneOak Member Posts: 206
    edited January 2013

    Marcia,Divine and Moonpie~

    Thank you all for your encouraging words.  Divine, I appreciate you pointing out the light at the end of the tunnel. I know this isn't forever and yes, my DX to surgery was very quick (less than 2 weeks).  Funny thing is I'm actually starting to feel a lot better (pain wise) but I'm just so exhausted all the time.  I just want to lay around all day long.  Then the crying starts, sobbing really to be honest.  It's so not like me.  I'm really trying to think positive thoughts and I have so many wonderful people around me that have helped. And I can't even pinpoint was is really upsetting me. 

    Anyhow, thank you all for listening and letting me unwind a bit.

  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited January 2013

    ShaneOak,

    Your experience is all so very typical.  And you went from DX to surgery at the speed of light.  And do not comapre yourself to what others have gone thru, for all of us, no matter the dx or treatment it is overwhelming and emotionally draining.  I am about a year and a half out from DX and will finish treament next month.  Th emotional piece will ebb and flow and eventually go to a back burner.  It may pop up at an unexpected time, but you will know what it is.  Honor your feelings, sit with it and then have ways that you can move on. It will get better, we all move at ourown pace thru thus journey.

    Don't expect too much of yourself too soon.  Be gentle

    Be well

    Nel

  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 383
    edited January 2013

    ShaneOak know you are not alone, not that it makes it any easier. Take it one day at a time. I am only 3 months out from my MX and will have my exchange surgery next week. I thought I was doing pretty good with my emotions, but now that my surgery is getting so close the flood gates have opened again. I'm scared again and really don't want to deal with the pain again. But I know this to shall pass and I have a wonderful husband who will be at my side every step of the way. I never have been much for roller coasters but I really had no option this time. Hang in there you will move forward, just one day at a time.

  • ShaneOak
    ShaneOak Member Posts: 206
    edited January 2013

    Mrenee68, I had my first fill today and will now start weekly fills.  I think this will help with feeling like I'm moving forward.  I'm also going back to work in a few weeks so getting back to a normal routine will help too I think.  But, your reminder that this fight will continue to weigh on our emotions is well taken.  Today was a good day!

  • brownlee
    brownlee Member Posts: 34
    edited January 2013

    Shaneoak - I remember our surgeries were just two days apart - funny thing - i had a major meltdown on Saturday as well.  My is mostly pain related, but I still occasionally get tummy issues and tired issues.  I also am very very bored.  My christmas tree needs to come down, my carpet hasn't been vacuumed in 4 weeks.  My husband is helping but I think he just thinks at 4 weeks, we should be past this.  I have more pain than I did 3 weeks ago I assume because I am mostly off the pain meds.  I feel like I need more help now then ever and I can tell he is kinda past that.   Sunday was better.  Monday I had PT and my therapist made me feel "normal".  Not much sympathy at the PS's office but I do love him and his nurse.  PT kinda helped, but I tightened right back up once I left.  Today I worked a whole day from home.  I do plan on heading to the office for the next 3 days. I can't work a whole day yet, because my commute is 50 minutes one way and that takes a toll on me.   My mind is happy at work but by the end of the day I want to shrivel up not drive 34 miles home.  Hang in there - I am think of you.

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