Coping with life post treatment

[Tania76]

I am on the rest and recover phase of breast cancer. Since active treatment has been completed, I'm now in a frustrating and lost phase. I feel like no one gets my life, everyone is so busy and I'm sad and depressed a lot. I can't do the things I used to enjoy and I'm alone most of the time. I miss being a Mum and having my kids around but I don't have the strength to have them more than 2 nights a week yet. I'm at an age where all my friends are busy with kids, any that don't have kids are busy with work or parties. My life has been tipped upside down for the last year, I'm hanging on by a thread, so is my ex-husband who is bearing the family load so I can recover. It feels like the end is never coming, and our family life will never get back to some type of normality. I haven't had a carer and I'm really feeling it now. Where do I turn for support, my family don't know how to help and I'm lost for answers.

[Susana_CCNSW]

Hi Tania,

Thank you for reaching out, I can see you are feeling overwhelmed and frustated, a cancer diagnosis and treatment is not easy, life does change and everything  turns upside down.

I am glad to hear that you have completed your treatment and now are in recover phase.  At the moment life is not the same for you, but I am sure that with a bit of patience and the love and support of your loved ones you will be able to catch up with life.  Just take one day at a time although it sounds like a boring cliche but it is a good option to cope with the anxiety of getting back to the life you had before. 

Keep looking after yourself, avoiding anxiety and stress if possible, so you can be the mum you want to be for your beautiful children.

I hope someone else in this community could share their own experience of recovery and trying to get their life back.

If you are an Australian resident, please call 131120 to talk to one of our nurses about your experience, perhaps you would like to talk to one of our counsellors.

Kind regards

Susana

Cancer Council

Online Community

[Kylie_nrs]

Hi Tania! I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. It sounds incredibly tough, and it’s understandable to feel lost and frustrated after such a challenging year. Here’s some advice that might help 👇

• Reach Out for Professional Support: Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in cancer recovery and adjustment. They can provide emotional support and help you navigate this transition.

• Join Support Groups: Look for support groups, either online or in person, where you can connect with others who have been through similar experiences. Sometimes just talking to people who understand can make a big difference.

• Communicate with Your Loved Ones: It’s okay to let your family and friends know exactly how you're feeling and what you need. They may not realize how best to support you without some guidance.

• Small Steps: Try to set small, achievable goals for yourself. Even little things like a short walk or a new hobby can help you feel more engaged and boost your mood.

• Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during this time. Recovery and adjustment take time, and it’s okay to have days when you’re not feeling your best.

• Explore Community Resources: Look into community resources like local charities or organizations that offer support for cancer survivors. They might provide additional help or connections to others in similar situations.

• Reliable Pharmacies: It is important to use only proven and reliable pharmacies to obtain the necessary medicines of the best quality, because the entire outcome of your treatment depends on it. My personal recommendation is a pharmacy, I am always satisfied with the quality and price - 

Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to ask for and accept help. It might not feel like it now, but things can get better with time and support.