Hello Trisha,

no one receiving a stage 4 cancer diagnosis can be anything but totally overwhelmed, with the climb back out of total despondancy being one if not the most difficult challenge anyone can face. We do not come pre armed with the knowledge of how to do so and everything starts from ground zero.

No surprise then our first instincts are to reach for the escape from reality option, but that's complicated by the minds insistance that you need to escape to reality. That is what creates the torment you have to go through.

That you will have eventually goes without saying,the key two messages l would pass on to you as a stage 4 ten year survivor would be do not pile self imposed stress upon yourself denying your body its full attention of bringing it through back to health. Focus and find your way of doing so and do not be lulled into thinking you can retreat back within yourself to do so. Be greedy and outgoing in seeking help and solace whenever and wherever you can find it.Their is a saying that a warrior can win a fight, but an army wins the battle.

So as Jolamine has wisely suggested, arm yourself with all the support that is available, l found that it helped to change my outlook in such a positive way. You have a strong foundation to build upon with your husbands support.

Finally l would say there is sunshine beyond the dark clouds that currently hide it from your view, its up to you to pass beyond them and benefit from the mental warmth that can come from that..

l am joining the many cheerleaders who will be encouraging you to do so as you travel along your journey towards the destination called recovery,

David

Hello Trisha,

no one receiving a stage 4 cancer diagnosis can be anything but totally overwhelmed, with the climb back out of total despondancy being one if not the most difficult challenge anyone can face. We do not come pre armed with the knowledge of how to do so and everything starts from ground zero.

No surprise then our first instincts are to reach for the escape from reality option, but that's complicated by the minds insistance that you need to escape to reality. That is what creates the torment you have to go through.

That you will have eventually goes without saying,the key two messages l would pass on to you as a stage 4 ten year survivor would be do not pile self imposed stress upon yourself denying your body its full attention of bringing it through back to health. Focus and find your way of doing so and do not be lulled into thinking you can retreat back within yourself to do so. Be greedy and outgoing in seeking help and solace whenever and wherever you can find it.Their is a saying that a warrior can win a fight, but an army wins the battle.

So as Jolamine has wisely suggested, arm yourself with all the support that is available, l found that it helped to change my outlook in such a positive way. You have a strong foundation to build upon with your husbands support.

Finally l would say there is sunshine beyond the dark clouds that currently hide it from your view, its up to you to pass beyond them and benefit from the mental warmth that can come from that..

l am joining the many cheerleaders who will be encouraging you to do so as you travel along your journey towards the destination called recovery,

David

Hi David your reply on here has certainly helped me.  I was diagnosed in September 24 with secondary breast cancer with mets in most of my bones.  I am in the beginnings of my journey and I have found it challenging.  I hope to pass beyond the clouds that are clouding my mental health at the moment.  I am a naturally positive person so am sure I will get there.  Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement and to you too Jolamine x