Post Op Breakdown

Dear Aileen

Thank you for your post.
Being told you have breast cancer, starts you on a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes after surgery or treatment can be the most difficult time as you now have time to absorb what has happened to you in the past few weeks.

You've recognised that you are having difficulty coping with your diagnosis, you do not have to do it alone, there is lots of support available.

Through Action Breast Cancer we have a freefone helpline 1800 30 90 40 open 9am - -5pm Mon to Fri, we can put you in touch with a Reach to Recovery volunteer who has been through the same or (similar) experience as you have, we also have a nationwide counselling service which is free of charge. We can also give you details of a cancer support group in your area.

I hope this is of some help.

Best wishes

Breast Cancer Information Nurse

Dear Aileen,i didnt want to read your post and not reply i promise it does get easier to cope with,your diagnosis is very recent so dont be hard on yourself.mine was over 3 years ago and at the start it was difficult of course it was ,but you find a way to cope and it does get easier i wish you the very best of luck and mind yourself xx Susie

Hi there, Like the others said, a bc diagnosis is like being on a rollercoaster. Sometimes you feel grand and sometimes you feel quite anxious. It does get a bit easier as time goes by. I suppose we start to learn to live with our new circumstances. It is still early days for you so don't be hard on yourself. Will you be having any other treatment? Best wishes and take care. x

Hi Aileen,

I too am somebody who doesn't like reading posts looking for help without posting a reply. My mum had breast cancer approx 1 1/2 years ago and there were times during this period where she was like what you have just described. she'd be crying and upset and trying to hold it all together becuase everybody thinks you are doing so well. I know sometimes when she was looking so well and every body would comment on "how well she was doing" and "looking so good" which is sometimes all people know what to say, but inside her emotions were in turmoil. like the other posts here that have replied it does seem to get better. Maybe you could try to go to ARC house or a support group. I know my mum found these quite helpful because she could talk openly and frankly about her worries/concerns with "strangers" in lieu of talking to close family and worrying about upsetting the. Also I know she found it a very postive and enlighteneing experiences meeting people in the same situation as herself, and she begun to realise that what she was going through seems to be part of the journey she is now on. I hope that you will continue to have the courage that you no doubt possess. Best of luck and this forum is always here for you

I wish you well.

Kind Regards,

Mollly

Hi, I too had mastectomy (bi-lateral) and reconstruction 6 weeks ago, also my initial diagnosis had not been so bad. all I can say is be kind to yourself and take all the kindness and love that people offer. Maybe let go of the tears during the day (even though I know you don't want to) when people are around to support. Maybe not your other half, but friends sisters (?) I know (I really do!) how bloody hard it is - but don't try to put a brave face on,
- look after yourself.