Emotional aftermath following breast cancer treatment

Wow, good post! I know and feel your pain. The meds are insane. I was tortured and poisoned with Anastrozole. There was an investigation but one sided. I too have PTSD. I began to recover 4 months after stopping the year and a half of toxic Anastrozole.
Meanwhile, terrified of my 81 year old friend with metastatic prostate to bone but a year later started taking XTandi, $15,000 a month but doctor found a way to get it funded. He’s doing far better than me. I’m losing my hair from stress, radiation and Anastrozole. Terrified of doctors and panic attacks, still focusing on healing.
I am shocked at the lack of support, almost zero but am grateful for this forum. Take care and cheers to surviving.
Jan Wilder

Your words capture exactly how I’ve been feeling. There’s no describing it to the outside world as well as you’ve just done. Thank you for sharing your experience and know that you’re not alone.

Hi
My Dr started me on zoloft 25mg. Going on 5 weeks finally feeling like myself. I had anxiety the first 3 weeks but now it's good. So glad I started it. Sorry for your losses and struggles. It's difficult for sure.

I agree with ksue3 below that counseling can really help. A social worker in oncology might be a good place to start. Also, there numerous support groups led by therapists. Your oncology team should be able to refer you to both. Depending on what kind of cancer center, palliative care can also help. They offer adjunctive therapies--some counseling, chaplains, sometimes massage and acupuncture. I've found that if I enter a situation kind of dedicating it to my healing it works well even if not perfect. Keep in touch with us!

I didn't think about PTSD but it sure fits. We have been through a lot. I too have had deaths to deal with along with everything else. I am a widow and family not nearby. Friends were wonderful and helpful, just not the same as family.

I just posted a new note that included some of what you are saying. My surgery was 2/2024. Last chemo was the end of May 2024. Am on Exemestane, AI drug. Will be 85 soon. I am not myself either. Very tearful, irritable and so very tired. I was just told by a Dr., not cancer Dr., that I needed to talk to someone, that I was holding in the emotions too much. I did release some of it in a small church group. I want to talk to a counselor. I know from past trauma that it takes a long time to find that normal or new normal again. Speaking with a good counselor can help. Did you say you are on an Al drug? I didn't have a rough menopause but think this must be what some women feel at menopause. Hormones are changing with the drug. I encourage talking to someone. Hang in there. We are members of a very large"club" of men and women going through much the same thing. Make sure your vit D and B12 lab work has been done.

I am going through similar circumstances with stage four breast cancer metastasized in the bones. I was at stage two and had a three-year remission period that ended with a broken arm. Also have been diagnosed with PTSD. Not sure how to micromanage that. Or anything sometimes…I cannot get the support that I need from my family and my partner is absolutely nonresponsive and when he is, he’s ugly and insensitive. I am not ok but am expected to be absolutely fine.
I found that recovering from all the medication I went through and all of the surgeries at stage 2 was very difficult and it did take a couple of years. Remind yourself that you are not crazy. You went through a traumatic situation and your body is offkilter trying to survive and find balance, which is natural. Medicine is hard on our bodies. Just give yourself a little time and things will start to feel better and I do pray you are cancer free forever. Make sure you receive annual follow up scans!

I completely agree with the cancer PTSD. I had IDC in 2021. I was told it was caught very early and that my chance of recurrence was very, very low. I was told to be thankful, and I tried. Fast forward to 2024 and I was diagnosed with bone mets. Stage IV cancer is rough, its lonely and treatment has become a full time job. Although I grieve the life I no longer have, I am thankful for every additional day I am given.

Hi
Wow I finished treatment this apr. Struggling with fatigue and the same emotional turmoil. Mood swings, depression. Also had 4 deaths happen during my treatment and putting my mom in a nursing home. In therapy and getting on meds. I have never felt this kind of mental exhaustion. I was told it's a form of ptsd

Be patient with yourself. This will take time .
Join a club or find a new hobby to get your mind off cancer,which has run your life .
You are not alone we survivors understand.