Feel disconnected

Hi everyone, i was diagnosed on Friday with breast. Had MRI on Saturday and getting the results for treatment plan tomorrow/today. It just I’m feeling really disconnected from myself at the moment. I can’t bring myself to use the awful name and just cannot get to grips with it all. Is this normal? I don’t seem to be absorbing any information and just randomly burst out crying. Honestly feel like it’s not happening to me though? 

  • Hi,

    Yes, this is normal. We live in fear of the word, and if we are diagnosed it doesn't feel real. I remember feeling detached from it all and in a blur during appointments. I'm post treatment now, waiting to find out if it worked, and I'm still often overwhelmed and prone to crying. Unfortunately we have to go through it all, there's no escape, and it's a horrible, frightening experience, but there are people who can give support and encouragement and there are many uplifting stories of people who have ended up with no evidence of disease after treatment and gone on to live happy and healthy lives. I would say talk to your Macmillan nurse. Mine was a godsend when all I could do was cry and worry. She was so supportive. I feel for you and wish you the very best x

  • Offline in reply to Beepa

    Hi, thank you for your response, really helpful to know this is a normal reaction. I don’t have a MacMillan nurse as yet. Do I contact them? There is a Macmillian centre where I will be having surgery/treatment, do I go and introduce myself? Thanks 

  • Offline in reply to Cie72

    When I was told I had cancer I spoke to a Macmillan nurse and she gave me contact details for her team. They have helped me lots of times, not just listening, but helping with prescriptions, appointments etc. I think ask your oncology team or ENT department. Or phone Macmillan and ask. It was done automatically at my hospital, so I didn't have to do anything, so I'm not sure really. Whoever you contact should be able to help. 

  • Offline in reply to Beepa

    Thank you and I wish you well.