Struggling to cope with the news that I have terminal cancer. Feeling isolated and finding it hard to talk about it

I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer nearly  four weeks ago and I am struggling with processing the news. I keep thinking about my family and the effect it is having on them .I have good friends but they are keeping in touch but only once a week . I feel isolated and I'm finding it hard to talk about it as everyone keeps switching the conversation or saying let's not talk about it. It was the last thing I expected to hear as I only finished treatment less than a year ago and was told it was good news ie tumour not measurable and lymph nodes back to normal in October. I also feel angry that it has taken so long since symptoms appeared which was in November and finally had the biopsy the beginning of May. Fortunately I have my first counselling session tomorrow.

  • Hi Helen-1  I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I know that the NHS seems to move so slowly.  I had stage 3 breast cancer in 2012 and had op, chemo and radiotherapy and tablets for 5 years.  Last year went to doctor with hip and back pain.  Had X-ray found two lesions but was told that there was nothing to worry about.  Well it works out that I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer with extensive bone mets.  When I went to oncologist he said it was not terminal, incurable but treatable.  It is a massive shock and so hard to process.  I know people don't know how to handle it and say things which makes you feel more alone.  I had counselling through Macmillan and it really helped.  I wondered how your session went yesterday?  It is good to speak to someone who isn't directly involved and you can say anything to them.  I am having palliative treatment and feel okay.  I am planning to be around a long time, its my 60th birthday on Sunday and plan to drink lots of Pimms and Prosecco.  Please let me know how it went and how you are.  You are not alone.

    Lee x