Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire United Kingdom
depressed after breast cancer Posted: 01-29-08 12:24pm
A little background. I was diagnosed with
breast cancer last September, and finished
treatment last month. I had a good
prognosis, and am getting over it apart
from tiredness. I was, however,
depressed. Now my mother, who I have been
unable to do without, has got a lump, and
although they have they have not said it
is definitely BC, they said there are
'papillary changes' whatever that means,
and it needs to come out. They won't say
one way or the other whether it is BC. I
have depended on her so much, and I feel
sick. Doesnt that sound selfish? I know
it does. She's looked after me all her
life, now it's my turn to look after her,
I don't know what to do or where to turn,
and I feel I'm going crazy. My 15 year
old son is picking up on my moods, and
he's bunking off school and been in
trouble with the law. What's worrying me
is the awful thoughts I'm thinking about
my family, and I don't mean any of them.
My son, who has acne and wears glasses,
and doesn't have a very high opinion of
himself, I think to myself what a billy no
mates he is and no one likes him, which
isn't true as he has plenty of mates. I
love him to bits, yet I think thoughts
like this. His father buggered off, and
now he can't rely on me. I said even
though his dad went away, I would always
be there for him, now I feel incapable of
looking after myself.
I've been put on Prozac by my GP, and
given supplements, as I've lost a stone in
weight, and now only weigh just over six
and half stone. I know this tablet isn't
a miracle worker, and it won't take away
my fear. The doctor said it would be at
least four weeks before it would take
effect, and it's only a week until my
mum's surgery. What can I do to help
myself? I'm so scared. I feel my life
will never be the same again.
|
marvel
Supporter
Joined: 09 Sep 2007 Posts: 1104 Location: Toronto, Ontario (but only a private message away)
Thanks: 50
Thanked:8
Posted: 01-29-08 14:02pm
It's true. Your life will never be the
same again. It takes a lot of courage to
accept this. You must look on the bright
side of things. That is especially hard to
do in your situation, but look at how
strong you are! You are in the process of
overcoming Breast Cancer and can now be
there for your mother, who would probably
benefit very much from having someone like
you there for her. You've been through it,
and you are now a sort of beacon for
her.... Studies show that optimists have a
higher chance of overcoming serious
disease. You can help your mother be
optimistic. Even though as of right now,
her diagnosis isn't officially Breast
Cancer, having you around can help her so
much.
My advice to you would be to be patient.
ALthough it's not a miracle cure for fear
(medication for anxiety and depression),
it helps clear your brain to better
evaluate what's happening. You can then
take the proper course of action.
I wish you well. If you ever want to talk,
you can Private Message me any time, and I
will try my very best to reply promptly!
|
LynB
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire United Kingdom
Posted: 01-29-08 14:11pm
Thank you, Marvel, for taking the time and
trouble to reply, and for your compassion.
It really is very much appreciated.
