Retreats for post treatment recovery

I found this one that seems to offer a transition from treatment to thriving.
https://www.bjbbreastcancerretreats.org/
May I ask, how long has it been since you finished treatments?

1 week, and I Just started my Astrosole at that time. Now that I have time to think and rest the last 6 months of memories are flooding back. Is this normal?

Absolutely normal. Honestly most of it is seared in my memory even 17 years later. But the memories aren’t so agonizing anymore. But I think it is normal to feel “otherly” not quite alone but set apart somehow. I owned a retail store with a dozen employees at the time and couldn’t leave, or a retreat might have helped me through that feeling. I made the decision to sell my beloved store, and go to work for the wholesale company on the road every day writing orders for clients. I am not sure all of the windshield time alone would help everyone but it did help me to put my life back into perspective. This is a tough time. Be gentle with yourself you have been through a lot. I also took anastrazole. Are you comfortable sharing more of your journey? What treatments you had?

Three surgeries after numerous mammograms biopsies MRI biopsies. I was lucky the mayo clinic I was doing my second opinion and they found cancer in my other breast where my surgical Dr. missed. I was lucky everything was caught early and I say this and jest I only need a 20 radiation sessions. I don’t know how others cope but I put my emotions in a box and I seal it very tightly. I listen to the doctors who tell me 20 radiation treatment was no big deal I would be fine I’ll be tired tenderness nothing to worry about. This has been the worst week of my life not only did my emotions blow up my breast hurts so bad. Red Sore pealing, I found some CBD cream to help the pain. An am now sharing my emotional state with a few. My story isn’t unusual but with COVID all of the support groups in my area have been shut down. I use some on Facebook and it has been very informative

I am so sorry you are going through this. I went through several surgeries, and 6 hard chemo treatments in my first round, then during my 2nd week of radiation, I was feeling sad that all of the people in the waiting room had cancer. Boom! It hit me like a load of bricks, I was fighting for my life. I couldn’t stop crying.
I can’t hug you and be there to help with daily things that are exhausting, but I can tell you that you are not alone. Whatever cream you are using or aloe Vera jelly , try putting it in the refrigerator, it sounds weird but it actually did help me. Along with the Sertraline my doctor ordered that helped me stop sobbing. Have you visited any of the breast cancer pages here about radiation? Did you look into that retreat?

Yes, I got on the waitlist for October. Thanks.

Awesome, I can’t wait to hear how good it was.

Hi Maria, I'd like to add my welcome along with @auntieoakley and to bring in other members too like @elizm @trixie1313 @sequoia @omega20 @ellerbracke @lisman1408 @cfacarol and others. I think that many women experience intense feelings at the end of active treatment. For weeks and months, you've been fully concentrated on 'battling cancer', going to appointments, managing side effects, consoling and managing the feelings of family and friends, keeping them updated, while trying to take care of yourself, and so much more. Through all of this you've had frequent contact with health professionals, their knowledge, their guidance and the support of other patients in the waiting areas. It's been busy with all attention on you and breast cancer.

Now all that has come to an abrupt stop. Screech. Stop. And like you said, you've found yourself with time to reflect and memories are flooding back. I know you're not alone with this experience and I look forward to seeing comments from others.

In the meantime, I wanted to offer you some other discussions and activities you may be interested in:
- “Surviving” Life After Breast Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/life-after-breast-cancer/
- Emotional health after cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/emotional-health-after-cancer/
- Stress Management for Cancer: Free online course from Mayo https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stress-management-for-cancer-free-online-course-from-mayo/

Follow the Cancer Education expert blog https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/
See these resources:
- National Cancer Survivor Day videos from Mayo Clinic experts on diet, stress, sex and more https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/tab/ncsd/

I'll be interested to hear more about the retreat in October. In the meantime, happy to have you here.

Thank you for all the information. I thought I was going crazy. I am not a person to just loose it and break down. Because of this conversation I opened up to my daughter and Colleges and the open arm response has been amazing. I know I need some professional help, but who has time. I also have a Blue Cross nurse assigned to me. I will reach out and talk with her.

Maria, have you considered reaching out to an oncology social worker? They are available to you as a patient of Mayo Clinic. Read more about oncology social work in this blog post:
- How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/

I also forgot this upcoming event that you and all members may be interested in attending online for free.
- Strengthening Healing: Breathing and Relaxation Exercises https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/strengthening-healing-breathing-and-relaxation-exercises/
Join us for another online learning opportunity called Strengthening Healing: Breathing and Relaxation Exercises on Thursday, September 9th at 1:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time) presented by Beth Joyner, MDiv, BCC, Mayo Clinic Chaplain.

FYI: You don't have to be a Mayo patient to attend. All welcome.