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I’m in denial about my cancer diagnosis, It feels like an out of body experience. Has anyone else felt like this?

claris441
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Morning 

I was called for a routine appointment for my breasts. I got a letter asking me to go back because they were a mass that needed further investigation. I was then diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma stage 3. I’ve since had the lumpectomy and lymph node biopsies for which I will get the results on Thursday. Is it still odd that I still don’t think I have cancer and that it almost feels like an out of body experience. It’s only because I can see my scars that I know I’ve had something done. I have been signed off work since my diagnosis as I had to come off my HRT and I was a complete **** before I found the right dosage. I would have outbursts or randomly cry. So I’ve had my antidepressants increased but my mind still keeps going dark but I’m not sure if that’s because I haven’t accepted my diagnosis.

any suggestions are appreciated 

thank you

  • Offline in reply to Paintgirl

    Hi Paintgirl

    I really hope we can talk about this in the future as a distant  memory…. because at the moment I’m really struggling and I’m fed up with feeling so overwhelmed. I used to think I could cope with anything and everything that life threw at me. Now I’m just drained.

    Thank you for being there.

    Heres to all the people we can help in the future by understanding what they are going through..

    Take care

  • Offline in reply to Henri

    Hi again Henry 

    I hope you’re OK. I woke up to bird song this morning and will be searching for moments of inner calm today.

    Take care

    X

  • Offline

    Hey Claris, 

    I'm deeply sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the challenges you're facing. It's completely normal to feel disconnected from the reality of a cancer diagnosis, especially when processing such overwhelming emotions. Your experience of feeling like it's almost an out-of-body experience is valid and understandable. Coping with cancer can be an incredibly complex and emotional journey.

    It's important to give yourself time and space to process your feelings and emotions, and to seek support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or support groups who can provide understanding and guidance. It's also positive that you're taking steps to address your mental health by adjusting your antidepressant dosage. Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and there's no right or wrong way to feel or cope with a cancer diagnosis.

    Wishing you strength, courage, and healing. 

  • Offline in reply to elena_s

    Thank you for sharing your experiences. I don’t feel so alone with skin cancer. I now have no joy in going out anymore and get depressed. It has been a complete shock. I too feel disconnected and it will take time to adjust to. Thank you for being brave and sharing. 

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