Stress overload/diet slipping/need encouragement

Luvmydobbies, you've definitely reached out to the right place for support and encouragement!

We are sorry you're having a tough time right now, but we just know the others here will help lift you up In the meantime, you may find it helpful to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's side effect page on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for some really good tips to help manage this side effect.

Also, the Breastcancer.org Nutrition and Exercise sections have some really helpful advice on getting you back on track.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

Luvmydobies, I'm sending a big {{{hug}}} your way. Do you have someone close to you that you can share how your feeling? You say your in therapy, do you feel you are getting constructive support or is it possible you need to look for a new therapist? I think the fear you are feeling is part of the new normal that we all have to adjust to, but maybe your having a hard time with that next phase. I found that meditation (positive imagery)  has helped me quite a bit. During my tx year, I kept a grateful journal (through a free app-Maxjournal) and forced myself in the beginning to look for one single thing everyday to be grateful for. It wasn't very long before I started looking forward to finding something for that day. Sometimes I would just post a photo, sometimes it was a single sentence but I found the 'Exercise' of looking for something special each day kept me in the moment and made me realise that I had to make the most of each day! 

I've just started yoga and now wished I had started earlier. I'm not sure why, but I feel so good after my lesson, emotionally as well as physically. I suffer with a lot of post chemo joint stiffness/pain and find my mobility is getting a bit better. Maybe you could try some easy yoga classes? There is a serenity that you will feel. The nice thing is that the time you spend in class is just for you and a step in the right direction.

As far as diet, don't beat yourself up. We all wonder if there is something we could have done to prevent our C, but there are many very healthy women who exercise and eat correctly who still get this disease. Try just incorporating one healthy snack a day, set your goals small so that it is easily achievable and then pat yourself on the back for attaining them! 

Remember to praise yourself for everything you have overcome. You ARE a strong woman and need to concentrate on you. Don't take the weight of everything on yourself, you need time to heal from everything. 

I have a 'positive inspiration' wall hanging in my bathroom. Every time I read something or feel something that inspires me I write it on a sticky note and pin it on. I see this every day and it reminds me to keep my emotions in check. Here is my favourite attached to one of my pics, hope you like it also!