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Struggling with mental health

Nickyot
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I think I need to admit I'm not coping well. I had a single mastectomy late Jan, we are 3 months on and I'm taking tamoxifen for invasive lobular cancer. I've healed well and have opted for no reconstruction. I had a sentinel node biopsy and they found cancer cells in 1 of 6 lymph nodes. No other treatment given. 

I'm finding it hard, I'm not due to be seen by anyone until next Jan when my right breast mammogram will be due. I'm concerned this isn't enough. If they found cancer cells why have I nit been offered radiotherapy? How am I supposed to know if these pills are even working? Surely someone should be offering me a test at some point. I feel deserted. Mentally I'm not happy, I feel sad a lot, I'm tired and have fatigue where I cannot do a lot. I'm due back at work next week and feel like I'm mentally not ready. I'm crying more now than I was a month ago, this isn't me, I don't do this, I'm literally crying at nothing. It's upsetting me writing this post. I just want it to all stop

  • Online

    Hi Nicky I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through and I hope someone who has gone through the same as yourself comes on here soon to offer some advice and it was just so that you didn't think no one had seen your post as the nurses won't be back in till tomorrow morning ,take care thinking about you Jenny x

  • Hi Nickyot and thanks for posting,

    I am so sorry to hear what you are going through this must be very distressing. This period after surgery, when you do have less contact with the hospital can be a difficult time for some people, because they can feel uncertain about the future.

    I wondered what support you have and if you feel you can talk to friends or family about how you are feeling. I think the feelings you are describing are common for a lot of people in your situation, and some people find it helpful to get support for example from joining a support group or speaking with a counsellor. It may also be worth knowing that Macmillan Cancer Support offers 4 free counselling sessions through Bupa to people who are struggling emotionally because of their cancer.

    It may be helpful to re-post this to the 'living with cancer' thread so that others in a similar situation can give their own experiences. Although everyone is individual in how they react and respond to treatment, hearing from those going through similar may be a support

    I wondered if you have spoken to your breast nurse specialist (CNS) about your concerns. You may need to leave a message but they should get back to you as soon as possible. They know your situation and could go through your treatment plan with you and clarify why the doctors chose the treatment you have had. It may be helpful to read the information on our website on how doctors plan treatment . 

    It is important to remember that you are still receiving treatment. The Tamoxifen tablets are helping to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back, and each year that goes by with no signs that the cancer has come back shows the treatment is working.

    We have information about follow-up after breast cancer treatment. This will vary from hospital to hospital, and how much follow-up you have might depend on your situation. You are likely to have a yearly mammogram, but other tests are not usually offered unless you have symptoms or are feeling unwell. So if you ever do feel unwell or are concerned, let the hospital team know.

    You may find it helps to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    I do hope this helps. Take care all the best

    Jemma

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