CAGirl wrote:Hey Jolene,
I have a few years on you, but my "perimenopause" is basically just manifesting itself like a missed period here and there, which may even last for a couple of years, I hear. Don't let doctors blow off your concerns, but I also wouldn't assume that the day you end chemo you'll start having night sweats and major hormonal woes. I think the early stage of menopause can last a while. I think it differs woman to woman, but it hasn't been a concern for me. I'm almost 1 1/2 years out from chemo.
Maggie Nell wrote:Jolene,
I can remember how reluctant I was to make my first appointment with a psychologist - all the
way back in 1988 when I was 27 years of age. There was a definite anti-therapy culture then, an
ingrained belief that you don't go outside of your circle of friends/family or that you should just
suck it up and cope, or bury yourself in work, do volunteer work, get over it or turn to the Lord.
That sort of hurdle gets handed down from one generation to another and when your usual ways
of dealing aren't cutting the mustard for you, or you sense that an ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure: it may be an idea to unpack any messages you've received that are making you a bit 'iffy'
about stepping on this path of self-compassion and self-care.
Life Coaches are everywhere now and there are Cancer Coaches as well. I sometimes wonder if
people get an impression about therapy from Woody Allen movies or The Sopranos that isn't
helpful....
Maggie
DBF wrote:I’m sorry you are going through this. I also could have written this post, and did actually write a similar one way back when on this board. Around that time I went on Celexa, and it did wonders to stabilize my mood. I’ve also felt therapy was helpful now and then, but the medication helped the most with situational depression and mood swings.
I also agree with Karen about the effects of corticosteroids. (Hi Karen! It’s always nice to see you on here. )
Definitely speak up to your doctor. Hope you feel better soon.
Best,
Donna
Anyway, I finally got up on my arse and drag myself to the GP (general practitioner) just yesterday to inquire about the standard procedure of seeking one instead of me randomly looking up at Dr Google for everything. The GP has advised that my best bet is to start with a psychiatrist first as they are medically qualified to make a diagnosis and therefore easier to make any insurance claims if it comes to it. Psychologists are para-medical and may present problems when making insurance claims as they are not medically trained from our insurance perspective (at least where I am from). Saying that the psychologists work together with the psychiatrists as a team but any claims that comes endorsed from a psychiatrist will go down better with the insurance provider. (Just sharing with everyone here...!) The GP also mentioned that my oncologist may be in a better position to recommend someone as they would have experiences in dealing with so many different cancer patients in need of different emotional help. However, as mentioned earlier in a prior post my oncologist is a man and I feel super awkward having to addressed my emotional needs with another man - my husband said he would help do it on my behalf. So let's see how this roll..........
melissadc76 wrote:
.........I'm so happy you found someone to help and support you. Not all counselors use the same approach and not all personalities will fit yours. Don't be afraid to move on if it isn't a good fit. Let them explain how the process works and how they plan to help you. They should be helping you gain skills or tools to help you manage your own emotions.
And one word about life coaches, who I know are lovely people, for the most part. Where I come from, they are not required to be licensed, supervised, receive education or anything like that. They are not able to bill for insurance, nor do they have a licensing board where you can seek relief if you have been treated unethically or been harmed by their work, which does, unfortunately happen.
Melissa
LPL wrote:Jolene, that sounds wonderful!!
Jolene wrote:LPL wrote:Jolene, that sounds wonderful!!
Thank you !
Another update to all - got triggered by an annoying relative just yesterday who claimed that my short temper and high stress lifestyle could have contributed to my cancer situation. She mentioned it in a most condescending manner and it got to me !
Must stay strong !!!!
Jolene wrote:
Thank you !
Another update to all - got triggered by an annoying relative just yesterday who claimed that my short temper and high stress lifestyle could have contributed to my cancer situation. She mentioned it in a most condescending manner and it got to me !
Must stay strong !!!!
Return to “Colon Talk - Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) support forum”
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 70 guests