just like to say im going through my 2nd cancer journey and have diabetes 2,although physical probs are a pain i find it so much more difficult to cope with the mental aspects of my challenges,do others feel the same
thanks for your reply jolamineits easy to explain to doctors and family your symptoms but sometimes you just dont know how to start explaining your fears and worries when you really want to stay positive buts its such a difficult thing to do
Many of us find it easier to write a list of questions for the consultant before we attend an appointmnt. It is also helpful to take someone with you to either write down the answers or to try and remember the replies. Most of us are so uptight that we only retain a very small percentage of the conversation.
Like you I have Type 2 Diabetes and am on my second bout of breast cancer. I have found this site very helpful in coming to terms with my lot and hope that you will too.
I think the associated Mental Health issues can be almost as bad as the physical challenges. So many people who have experienced Cancer at first hand seem to have undiagnosed symptoms of PTSD.
One of the problems is that Mental Health services are often geared up to deal with people who are unnecessarily anxious and depressed about things which MIGHT happen. For many of us the worst has happened and we're having to deal with a harsh reality where an untimely death is not just an abstract possibility but is possible, probable or even inevitable.
I dread having to go back on chemo, not because of the physical side effects but because of the psychological and emotional drain which I know will accompany it.
Totally agree that the mental health side of cancer is almost worse than the physical side. I have been on an emotional rollercoaster since my diagnosis (pancreatic cancer - have had surgery but no idea what lies ahead yet). One minute I'm all "I can beat this, yeah!", the next I'm a blubbering wreck. It's so difficult for my husband as well - he's not only coping with me but his mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer three weeks before my diagnosis. How he stays as strong as he does amazes me but he was very ill himself as a child and spent most of his childhood in hospital so he has a unique outlook on it all. He is my inspiration.
i think all you can do is be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. Easier said than done though! I suppose none of us knows what the future holds and in our situation that is thrown into sharp focus. I have found at the moment that each day that I wake up, I go "well, I'm still breathing so that's another day for me," which helps a bit. Talking to people, ringing a support line or writing on here is a good release too.
