In hell

[Enigma52]

Feeling horrendous.
Had a full hysterectomy 9 weeks ago, due to a cancer. Then I was diagnosed with a secondary breast cancer. All oestrogen fed, so no hormones at all. I'm actually having to take hormone blockers!

The anxiety and other menopause symptoms are off the scale.

Speaking to GP on Monday. I don't know what to ask for? I need something asap! I'm due back to work in 4 weeks!!

Life feels grim 🙁

I'm sorry to read this op. You're clearly a strong person and a fighter! Do things you enjoy this weekend and take time for you before your gp appointment. If you have to take another few weeks off work then so he it!

@Helplessandheartbroke thanks for your kind words. Ive been off work for 11 weeks already, following the hysterectomy. Trying so hard to keep my head afloat, but struggling.

Onwards and upwards I guess and hope it's not backwards and downwards!

@Enigma52 that's the spirit! Please hold on to that or you'll let yourself spiral! Believe me!

Can you distract yourself? What do you normally do to relax?

@Helplessandheartbroke no I don't to spiral! Definitely onwards and upwards.

@Eyesopenwideawake I like to walk, bake, listen to music, decorate ( weirdo know!) and watch films.
I admit I don't do enough relaxation; brain is wired at present. My BCN is referring me to a local centre for complimentary therapies: I can't wait!

@Helplessandheartbroke meant don't WANT to spiral 😊

@Enigma52 I won't derail your thread but I've been having a very low time recently and I don't get any me time so I've been trying small things like a bubble bath with a glass of wine a couple of nights a week and watching uplifting TV shows. Just a couple of ideas

@Helplessandheartbroke it's okay, I don't mind you posting. I'm sorry to are having a rough time. Your bubble bath and wine combination is great. 😊

I do hope we both feel brighter soon.

@Enigma52 thank you and you too! Give the bubble bath a go tonight... I will be :)

@Helplessandheartbroke will do !! 👍😊

Not surprising that your brain is wired - would be weird if it wasn't. Sometimes just allowing it to ruminate is good; not fighting the feeling but giving your mind permission to explore all the options. The only (and really important) proviso is that for every negative thought you switch it to an equally positive one of the same strength and validity.

@Eyesopenwideawake thank you. Yes it's such a roller coaster. I know the secondary cancer doesn't mean
a death sentence necessarily, but the fear is very real.

I will try the negative to positive thought process. I need to get Into the fresh air more too. I need to do lots of things and I am trying hard. Sometimes it feels as though I'm
swimming against a strong currant.

I have suffered really bad anxiety for years but have always resisted taking anything for it.

I have recently been through a similar experience to you healthwise and my anxiety was through the roof. Thankfully given all clear and am also having to take medication for it.

I made a decision that I was going to have to get my anxiety under control otherwise I am going to lead a pretty miserable life. I started taking sertraline about two months ago and I can honestly say it's the best thing I have done. I am not getting any side effects thank goodness. It has massively taken the edge off and the knot in my stomach I've had for years has gone.

It's not a miracle cure and I still have slight anxiety but nowhere near where it was.

@LennyBalls that's a great uplifting post; thanks.

What dose did you start on?

Sending you and op a lot of love 🩷

@Enigma52 I am on 50mg which I think is a fairly low dose.

@Helplessandheartbroke thank you so much!

@LennyBalls think I will request 50mg too and hope for the best.

Genuinely wishing you all the best. x

😊👍x