Emotions a few months later

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Jennvo
Jennvo Member Posts: 27
edited February 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi,

Wondering if anyone else is experiencing sort of a latent response to the cancer diagnosis & surgery? It's about 4 months since my mastectomy and all the emotions fear and grief are finally catching up with me. I haven't really had a cancer support group so my interactions with others in the same situation have been limited ...

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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited January 2016

    It happens a lot, Jennvo. Particularly when you don't have something in your treatment plan to concentrate on any more. (Take a look at the thread titled "Why was I stronger DURING treatment than I am now?" for members discussing exactly this.

    It does take time...sorry I can't be more help.

    LisaAlissa

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited January 2016

    jenvo - Sorry you are struggling. I read a study here a few years ago that said that PTSD like symptoms are quite common in us BC ladies. I had it for many mos post Dx. It was quite difficult for me to find help, but in the end my PCP, meds and counseling pulled me out. Do you have a PCP? I'll bet they could help. Best wishes to you.

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  • Jennvo
    Jennvo Member Posts: 27
    edited January 2016

    Thanks for the link. It makes sense now. Of course... I was in survival mode and now I am in survivor mode. Reading others stories is helpful. I'm realizing that where I put my energy right now has a lot to do with how well I can move forward, if that makes sense. My emotions need some tending...and...it's time to release some baggage.


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  • babs2272
    babs2272 Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2016

    The hospital where I had my surgery (two weeks ago) have what they call a Breast Cancer Navigator. She is awesome. Do you have anyone like that there? They've been there and really understand where you're coming from. Sometimes talking to friends and just having a good cry lets some of those emotions out. When I was first diagnosed I was determined that this would not take over my life, and yet it does. So being on an emotional roller coaster is perfectly normal and the length is going to be different for each individual. Good luck


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  • calidancer
    calidancer Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2016

    jennvo I am feeling somewhat similar. At times I think No that didn't really just happen did it? I'm not a cancer patient.

    Like everyone else is just trucking along. My husband is over it completely-- not really wanting to provide sympathy for any complaints physical or emotional. For me it's partially that my reconstruction result is mediocre but now that it's done the hopefulness I had about having a great result is gone. I'm significantly uncomfortable under my arm and on my pec too. Enough that breast cancer is impossible to forget about. Also, booking my follow up MRI took a toll. Plus Tamoxifen, wondering about recurrence, it's all there in the back of the mind. But also feeling lucky that I didn't have to do chemo. Maybe it gets better. 😀💓

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited February 2016

    perfectly normal. When you hear your name and cancer in the same sentence your world rocks off its foundation. Then it's the whirlwind of treatment. Then the doc says, ok, you're finished, see you in 6 months. And out the door you go.

    You're left with a lot of questions, nobody to ask, and no where to be tomorrow.

    It is a shock and let down. A nurse navigator can help. Coming here can help. Your PCP can help. Possibly your insurance may have resources.

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