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Emotional aftermath following breast cancer treatment
While I was diagnosed in Dec. 2019, chemo, cancer surgery, and four more surgeries took place over the next 2 1/2 years (one of which was a second cancer surgery). I'm 6 weeks out from my last surgery, feeling somewhat normal physically, but wading through the emotional aftermath. "What just happened to me?" I told my husband that I've spent the past 2 1/2 years trying to stay alive - and I'm exhausted. Exaggerated emotions with up-and-down mood swings. . . I find myself yearning for that sense of emotional equilibrium I had before this all began. I'm doing my best to give myself time for this part of the healing - but I find myself weary. Family and friends look at me like I'm fine now, and the trauma has passed - but the truth is, I am not fine on the inside. It's as if my body is trying to reboot emotionally, and its short-circuiting a bit. I am so goal-oriented. . . if I just had that "magic" date of when everything would be normal again, I could focus on that; but it doesn't work that way. I have to be patient with this portion of the healing - and I'm finding that hard. What are others' experiences with this? How long does it take for your emotions to settle from the trauma of breast cancer?
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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!
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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.
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1 ReactionYour 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.
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1 ReactionWow, 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
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1 ReactionGlad Zoloft is helping. I was prescribed this med before cancer. People react very different to these medications. I had to stop after a week-Zoloft was worse than depression that finally passed.
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Yes the first 3 weeks were rough hi anxiety but my pharmacist told me to persevere. I am glad I did. You need lorezepam .5 mg when you first start it. You feel worse at first because it's changing your serotonin.
Very similar situation here. Having lost several family members in 4 years, plus 2 pets. In the midst of my husband’s cancer journey, and choosing to end his struggles, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two surgeries & two years later a friend of his mentioned PTSD. The symptoms I am finally admitting to surely fit that diagnosis.
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Sorry for your losses . I hope you get some help. I am glad I went on meds. It took a couple trys to find the right one. Zoloft 25mg is working for me. Counseling is definitely a good idea.