Crazy emotions

[Super-kay]

Hi I'm new to page and dont even know where to start. As of March 14 I was dignosed with a rare ovarian cancer, in the process of this i lost my grandma the day before finding out and then my dog the day after i finished chemo.

Well my question is did any one have trouble with really bad anxiety after finishing and random bouts of crying. I have gotten the anxiety part taken care of with med. but cant seem to get the random crying to stop, I have no clue why I am crying when it starts and it just goes and goes?

[Katmal-UK]

Hi. Sorry you have had such a rough time coping with yr diagnosis and yr recent losses, thats such a lot to cope with. Has anyone suggested counselling? I know when I was going through chemo for a recurrence and my Dad had a terminal diagnosis counselling helped and made it easier to deal with my emotions. Sending you a big, gentle hug, Kathy xx

[Super-kay in reply to Katmal-UK]

Yes they have. What I think is crazy is I didnt feel this way during the treatmeant just after I finished.

[Katmal-UK in reply to Super-kay]

Hi. During treatment I sometimes think we are on autopilot, 'gotta get through this' then when thats over seems to be the time the impact of what we have been through, and continue to go through with the knowledge that we have a diagnosis of cancer can hit and hit hard. Some people who dont have such a diagnosis think we should be happy, we survived treatment etc, we look well, they dont see the impact this has had. Its a totally personal choice, your choice, but I really do feel if you have been offered counselling take it, try it, if you find its not for you (I was sceptical at first) then stop. You have nothing to lose, you wont be worse off but you might start to feel emotionally better xx Take care xx Kathy

[Caroles1]

Hi love,

Totally agree with Kathy, I was told we suffer with PTSS after cancer, we have all cried at what we have been through, it’s normal, I am a emotional person anyway, but worse since diagnosis.

I think a lot of it is relief, a lot to do with the realisation of what we have been through.

All this is normal, but if you are not coping, there is no weakness in seeking help, we have all been there

Carole xx

[Doglover1410]

I agree! I poo-pooed counselling thinking I could deal with it myself! My onc decided that I should at least meet with her once....wow blown away. She listened, let me cry, let me be grumpy, we laughed and she taught me some great techniques to help me deal with the ‘bad’ days. I haven’t told him , but I’m glad he took me in hand (I’m a stubborn one!)

You’ve had a lot to deal with and I think it would also be good for you.

And the ladies on here are fab, I don’t post much but do read daily.

Sending a hug too, and know that we’ve all been there xx

[Lyndy]

Oh Super-kay what a rough time you have had! Given all you have been through it isn’t unreasonable to be anxious and emotional. There’s lots of support out there- as others have said counselling is an option but going to a group or a Maggies centre or just finding others who have been through treatment and understand can help. Having a cancer diagnosis is traumatic on its own. Maybe ring Macmillan and find out if there are activities nearby that can help you feel that you aren’t alone xx

[Flamingobeef18]

Hi

A cancer diagnosis is a psychological trauma as well as a physical one. Together with the bereavements you have suffered it is completely understandable that you are emotionally overwhelmed just now. Indeed the time when we are at most risk of developing depression is when chemo comes to an end. However it will pass and you will feel better.

I was fortunate enough to be referred to a palliative Clinical Psychologist attached to our local hospice who really helped me manage the psychological trauma.

Something I have learnt along the way is that if I am physically exhausted I find things much more difficult emotionally and will often end up collapsed in tears.

Look after yourself

Juliax

[Hidden]

Hi. The diagnosis is a terrible shock to us all initially. We very gradually become accustomed to what we have to go thru in order to fight the damn disease. Then that treatment comes to an end and suddenly no chemo. We expect we will be happy about that but in fact we feel cast adrift - where's all the support gone? - where do I go from here? This too will settle. You're a different person now and you'll get used to that.

I've never had counselling but I will if & when the time seems right.

Is there an OC support group near you? That may help too. Best wishes to you. Pauline.

[triplets in reply to Hidden]

That’s exactly how I felt when I walked out of the door after my last chemo. I truly felt adrift, on my own. It’s a strange feeling but as you say you get used to it. x

[Spirit22]

Hi So sorry to hear you are going through a hard time. Its perfectly normal as pointed out to me in one of my posts. I lost my mum just after surgery and her funeral was just a few days before my 1st treatment. When I had finished treatment and given NED I also couldn't stop crying. As pointed out all that Adrenalin keeps you going through, diagnosis, surgery and treatment , so a huge release once you have finished treatment. I can also relate to losing a beloved pet, the grieving process is the same, you are losing a cherished member of the family. I agree with all the above posts, things will settle in time. Very best wishes to you Lesley X

[juliamillen]

Sounds like you have a lot to cry about so it is not surprising you find yourself so tearful. Let’s hope it helps you to grieve and get it out of your system. Maybe it feels a little scary but I’m sure it is doing you the world of good. One loss often triggers a reaction to the previous one.