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thegirlsat73
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Hi I'm new on here and would like to introduce myself. in 2012 my life changed I was diagnosed with grade 3 aggressive invasive breast cancer. I went through mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, herceptin, hormone therapy, reconstruction then had to have my ovaries removed. All through this my family have stood by me but I never got the chance to speak to anyone who wasn't family or close about how it has left me now. 5 years on I'm suffering with panic attacks anxiety attacks hardly go out only to work or take my kids anywhere as can't do being around lots of people and have really bad days when I feel so down and depressed all I want to do is cry. is this a normal reaction to what I've been through as feel so alone I bottle everything up as I think with what I have been through my family have had enough to deal with so don't want to burden them now. brave face an all. I just need to talk with someone on my bad days hope this is the place for me to do that. Still undergoing  treatment as I am 43 and been told I won't be given all clear till I'm 50. Sorry for going on a bit thanks for listening but didn't know what else to do.

  • It sounds like you have been through a lot on your cancer journey thegirlsat73 so it's completely understandable why you are feeling this way but you are not alone. Many members here have been in similar situations after they have completed their operations and treatment so will really understand what you're going through at the moment and hopefully some of them will be along soon to offer their support and share their experiences with you. 

    Our cancer nurses are only a phone call away if you would like to talk to them about this. They are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040, which is free to call from a UK landline. I'm not sure if you have thought about or are aware of this but I have included some information about counselling as many members have found this quite helpful so do get in touch with your doctor if you think this may help as well.

    Post as much as you need to as this really is the place to let everything out and chat to others who have been where you are now.

    Kind Regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi I'm new to the forums. I'm on here because my dad is very ill. I don't know if I can offer much advice really. im on here seeking comfort too, but as a relative. All I can say is that it sounds like you've been through hell and back. I think unless you've walked the path you have,  wpeopkelike us can only only empathize. If any of us were asked  how we'd feel if it happened to us, I'm sure we'd all naturally respond in the same way. My feeling is you might benefit from talking to an outsider, perhaps a counsellor . The problem with us mums is we are always holding it together for everyone else! I suffer panic attacks  ( although under control) but with the stress of my dad being very ill I ended up having a relapse. I'm very close to my dad so have taken it hard. I must admit I'm on citalopram. I didn't think  counselling was for me! I know anti depressants aren't good either but they take the anxiety away. I'm quite creative too, and having an outlets helps. . Other than that I think you should accept it's ok to cry....you really are not alone.xx

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