Struggling

Hi

i had a single mastectomy in January, following a lumpectomy and a second wide excision. I recovered physically very well and returned to work in March.

i work in a primary school and I’m enough to have school holidays. Since going back in September I’ve been struggling to cope, feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. We have an acute staff shortage and I’ve found myself working from 7 am until 6 pm every day. The old me wouldn’t have batted an eyelid but today I broke down on arrival and had to come home. I’m seeing my gp later as I’m definitely not myself. Did anyone else fall apart several months after surgery?

I’m having a second mastectomy in November, preventative, as I’m worried that I’ll get cancer in that breast too. I can’t wait. Since the last surgery, I’ve had back problems and at the weekend two teeth fell out. The dentist said my bone is decreasing. Am I going mad?

  • No you are not going mad. I’ve had quite a number of friends who’ve had breast cancer,  everyone of them suffered after the treatment .  I think you will have been so focused on getting you body through it, now your mind needs time to heal . 
    im not an expert so cant give you any advice  , just wanted to let you know someone is listening 

  • Hi LadySass,  so sorry to hear all that you are going through.  I think anybody would struggle with the hours that you are working let alone someone who is still recovering from cancer treatment.  Perhaps you went back to work too early.  Are you taking Adcal or some calcium supplement for your bones.  It must have been a shock to lose two teeth.  I had a lumpectomy, then chemo and then radiotherapy.  All in all it took about 11 months for the treatment etc.  I never cried once, just got on with it.  After two years I just broke down and couldn't stop crying.  I don't know why it took so long but we are all different.  What has the GP or consultant said about your back problems?

    Lee xx