Hello BRYS10 and welcome to the forum.

It's great to hear you've finished your treatment and I hope your recovery is going well since you had your surgery, although I'm really sorry to hear how you are feeling at the moment.

Unfortunately a lot of people cannot properly comprehend that life doesn't go back to normal after treatment has finished as well as the long term impact this journey can have on a person's mental health, but I'm glad you've reached out to us BRYS10 as our members will completely understand what you are going through right now, so you are not alone, and I'm sure it won't be long until some of them stop by to share their experiences and advice. 

If you haven't done so already, you could try speaking to your GP or breast cancer nurse (if you were assigned one) about this as they will do all they can to support you and signpost you to services in your area that will be able to help. You're very welcome to talk things through with our team of cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to help as well.

We are here for you BRYS10 and sending all our support to you at this difficult time.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi  sorry to hear you're feeling this way. I know exactly what you mean though as I felt the same. I'm 9months smx. How long ago was your op? It's a bewildering and lonely time - even with all the support of loved ones.  I get by with enjoying my 'new look' and being grateful that I still have arms to hug all I love and legs to get me to those I love. Essentially,  our operation is life enhancing as it's saved our lives and it's not life changing as when you're dressed, what's changed????? 

Are you in any Facebook breast cancer groups? I find those helpful for having others to speak to. 

I'm also here if you need a chat. Hugs x

Hi, thanks for your understanding. It's nice to know that others feel the same. When I feel low, I almost feel guilty because I should be grateful for being well again. It's complex. I'm not a member of any groups but am considering joing the local follow on group through the hospital.

Hello BRYS10.  Sorry to hear you are feeling this way.  I think that very often, people simply don't understand that cancer takes a huge emotional toll on a person, and you don't simply spring back to 'normality' just because the treatment is finished.  Also, you are grieving the loss of part of your body, and again, this is absolutely normal.  Yes, you are glad to be alive, but the fact remains that it is extremely traumatic to go through a double mastectomy.  Have you spoken to your GP about how you are feeling? Or perhaps your cancer nurse?  Hopefully they will be able to help you.  Good luck, xx

Thank you for taking the time to reply.  I really appreciate it .  It's so true that I'm grieving for losing what has been removed.  I'm still having problems with the implants too and am feeling quite uncomfortable. I'm talking to my doctor this week to share my feelings. I'm considering asking for antidepressants, a low dose.  I'll also mention it to my nurse.  Thank you once again x