I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD and wondered if this was quite common. I finished treatment for 2B 2 years ago, but have had to cope with the death of both my parents and a diagnosis of pelvic radiation disease in that time, so I can't say that I'm surprised. It just got me thinking as to how common this actually was...dealing with CC and its aftermath must mean that many of us have such problems. I am seeing my GP this week to ask for help as needed to get my head round it when she said that she thought I had it when I saw her in November. What treatments/advice have others had?
Hi Ceri,
You have been through so much, it is not surprising you have PTSD, you have had so much to cope with as well as cc, I am 16 months out of treatment and still not back at work, I did try but could not cope, I am on anti-depressants and cry over anything, I can’t cope with the slightest bit of stress. I used to be so strong. I think after treatment it takes a while to realise what we have been through and mentally still going through, especially with you having to cope with the death of your parents, I think we need time to mentally as well as physically deal with the new us. You have been so helpful and kind to everyone on this forum including me, I can’t say what treatment the doctor will suggest, but make time to heal.
Take care
Debbie
Saw the GP today and have been put on Prozac which will hopefully kick in over the next few weeks. I'm also going to get some counselling which will hopefully help me deal with the issues I have from treatment etc. I am in my first week of not working so am trying to keep busy!!
I'm so sorry to hear this, I know you're a strong lady and very supportive - you came to my aid with a lovely message when I was at my darkest hour.
I can't put myself if your shoes, my treatment was much simpler and I'm lucky to have parents in good health. I'm therefore probably not best placed to offer advice, but I think the counselling route is a great idea to help you make sense of the last few years, to accpet the ongoing health issues you have and to help find ways of dealing with the issues they cause you.
I am a believer in fate, you have survived this illness because your time is not up - you've got lots to offer the world, and the world needs you! Positivity comes from acceptance of circumstances, and the will to make the most of things. You have these attributes, I know from your messages to other ladies on this site. Be good to yourself too.
I hope you make some steps forward with the treatments you're embarking on.
I started the anti depressants today and have been trying to keep busy! I know I will bounce back from this temporary blip as I am a very positive person, but it will take time.
It is lovely to think that I have been of help to other people on Jo's...I unfortunately didn't 'find' Jo's until a month or so after I'd finished treatment...it would have made treatment much easier if I had!!
I'm sorry that you're feeling so bad. I've always enjoyed reading your posts, as you manage to stay so positive. Really loved the one about your bright-red bum during treatment LOL - I had the same thing.
As the other ladies said, it's not surprising after all you've been through, especially the side-effects of your treatment. Maybe a lot of cancer survivors are suffering from PTSD but haven't been diagnosed yet.
Hopefully the Prozac will do you some good as well as the counselling. Being free of the pressure of work should be a great help too.
I am so sorry to read that you are having such a hard time at the moment. I don't have any direct advice regarding your situation, but I would just like to let you know what a wonderful kind woman you are. you have helped me so many times when I needed advice through my treatment. You are a tower of strength for a lot of women on here including myself. Your humour is first class and you have made me laugh out loud on numerous occassions. The red bum was a classic .
Now you have help I know you will come through to other side no problem. Your always so positive so try to keep hold of that, and never lose that quirky sense of humour. I too have been feeling low after 4 month after treatment, I guess we all just go into survival mode to get through it and then come down with a bang. You have been more than your fare share of bad luck, it's time for you to take time out for you and come back as vibrant as you have been when advising others.
Be strong, take care and take life by the big bouncy b***s and get yourself better.
Thanks everyone - it really means so much to hear from people that I have been of help to them! Am feeling a little more positive today, and tomorrow am going to see 'Les Mis' with a big bag of popcorn and a pack of tissues...can't wait!
That’s the spirit! Clearly from the responses here you’re fondly thought of and a great support and inspiration to many of us.
Now, how did I miss the red bum story??
X x
I think like Ceri said, it takes a while for your mind to catch up and realise what's happened. I know this is how I feel. I was diagnosed at the start of dec 2012 with radical trachelectomy and lymph node removal on the 12th Dec. I felt scared but could cope at the time, now a few weeks later, I feel like I want to crawl under the duvet and hide. Unfortunately other people don't really understand a lot of the time, I tried to talk to a friend butthey said "your gonna be ok, the worst is already done so why are you upset?" Its hard to explain the thoughts that go through your head!
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and get yourself better.
