Treatment for Stage 3 Advanced Invasive ER+ Breast Cancer ruined my life

[Nacesq]

I am 53 years old and two years post surgery, ACT dense chemo, radiation to axilla and clavicle for Stage 3 ER+ Breast Cancer (first I had DCIS IN 2009 at age 41). Before Cancer, I was a happy active single mom and a successful litigation attorney. The remaining neuropathy, athralgia, dental pain, and most importantly the cognitive dysfunction is unbearable and I am now broke, alone, often confused and frightened. This pandemic made everything worse. I am alone and scared. My sons are off at school and I have no support. My partner died from liver cancer, I lost my home when he died and am out of money. I lost it all and just need some help. I am confused. I don’t know if anyone feels like this.

[Mary115]

Nacesq How you feel is definitely understandable as you face, Cancer, Covid , financial need as well as need for caring support. I found the American Cancer Society to offer further assistance in finding further resources and solid emotional support too.

Phoning SHARE might give you someone to be supportive too. They help me.

Here is the link to the information for the American Cancer Society's page on finances.

cancer.org/treatment/findin...

There help line number is Contact Phone [phone]

Here is the Financial Resources Page for Cancer.net. I have not personally used them, but they may be worth checking out:

cancer.net/navigating-cance...

Rather than being solutions, these resources can be a start to be heard, cared for, and find strength to find some assistance.

I do not know you, but my heart goes out to you.. You have carried so much alone, and finding the solidarity we each need will be beneficial. Even with our sometimes mushy minds we can find self and other compassion. Even in cyber space we can begin to find shared solace as we find places where we are no longer alone.

Feeling for you... deeply tonight.

[Hesgotus4sure]

Nacesq... I am new to this forum. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your circumstances all the way around. I hope Mary115 was able to help you with the resources she gave you. I just want to give you a long hug. My heart aches for you. I will be praying you get some help and someone to come in your life to help with emotional support and love as well. God be with you sincerely

[SeattleMom]

Hello, dearest Nacesq,Your post has touched my soul. I truly believe that Mary’s reply was so perfect. And your feelings mimic many of ours emotionally, particularly how this disease has changed lives forever.

Your story is particularly heartbreaking due to the financial impact it triggered. I’m not sure where you live, but I’d definitely find a cancer support group locally that can be such a wonderful source of solace and support. Please know you have love and support on this forum, too.

You are in my prayers,

Linda 💗💗🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Dimsdale18 Partner]

Good morning,

Wow it certainly sounds like you have had a very tough time. I am the Breast Cancer Helpline Manager for SHARE Cancer Support, a non-profit organization. Our Helpline is staffed with volunteers who have all had breast cancer. We also have a peer matching program which can match you to someone with a similar pathology or treatment regiment. We also can offer you information on financial resources specifically designed for people experiencing hardship especially during this pandemic. We also have past webinars on many topics you might find useful on our website as well as a list of available support groups which are all virtual at this time.

No one should have to go through cancer alone. We are here for you. Our helpline operates 7 days a week from 9:30am - 9:00pm EST.

844-275-7427 (844-ASK-SHARE) and our website is sharecancersupport.org

You can also email me directly [e-mail]

[Jg1960]

Hi Nacesq, Your feelings of being alone and scared are not uncommon, and although they say misery loves company, I'm not sure that is quite true. Please know, though, that you are not alone, there are a lot of us in a similar situation. Reaching out for help can be difficult, especially for someone who was always self sufficient. But please reach out to people, either here or at other forums like those listed by Mary115 and Dimsdale18 and get the support you need and deserve. There are people and organizations that can and will help.

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ER+ Breast Cancer in January 2020, just as word of the pandemic was getting out...very scary! I am single and live alone also. I am blessed to have a wonderful support system, but still go through bouts of feeling very alone and very scared. I find myself crying a lot in the shower!

I had a double mastectomy a couple of months ago and have had many post operative issues including constant nerve pain. I had a nerve block that has helped quite a bit. I'm hoping it lasts for a while. I am angry because I feel my surgical team glossed over what could happen, despite my telling them I wanted to know everything, I feel I was ignored, or that they new better than I did what I needed. I understand they are trying their best but I truly feel like I am just a number to them and not a real person. I am having a very hard time with that.

Please hang in there and lean on us here or reach out for support from groups close to where you live. There are a lot of people willing to help, but you need to ask.

Sending lots of positive energy your way!

[birdibelle]

Hi. I have Stage 4 breast cancer . It is difficult, I know too . Have you tried Social Security . They have emergency applications. Hope it's helpful. Birdi