hologist who learnt the hard way When the casseroles stop. Surviving the MIND field of post treatment adjustment after cancer. From a Psychologist who learnt the hard way Post treatment adjustment is when the emotional system comes off hold and the mind begins to process the cancer experience. But with a misguided focus on getting back to normal those diagnosed with breast cancer can often play down the physical and chemical changes to their body, sometimes with devastating effect. Dr Charlotte Tottman, a clinical psychologist specialising in cancer distress admits that despite her training she subconsciously refused to acknowledge the enormity of her breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy. To most she appeared to have recovered but returning to work too soon, ignoring extreme insomnia, and avoiding scenarios that exposed her vulnerability left her feeling emotionally isolated and culminated in a seismic meltdown. The harsh reality, slow recuperation, and a desire to help others through her personal and professional lens was the catalyst for a new podcast series produced by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman. Is a raw and real 10-part unscripted conversation that explores the 'Why' of psychological reactions following an early breast cancer diagnosis and offers strategies to help. With authenticity, humour and valuable hindsight Dr Charlotte shares her unfiltered stories on topics including: Changes to her body that challenged her identity; unknowingly keeping score of disappointment in relationships; losing her libido and keeping fear of recurrence to a 'Goldilocks' level. Post treatment adjustment can take up to two years after hospital-based treatment has ended, when medical appointments have reduced, the casseroles no longer delivered, and the support of family and friends has eased. Dr Charlotte says post treatment adjustment though different for everyone is universal and encourages others to move forward to embrace the next version of themselves rather than trying to go back. "I was in this flux, trying to get back trying to reclaim my life but I was also struggling with all this internal shifting. You'd think someone with my training would have more insight but I didn't. I was resisting the fact that I wasn't the same, the evidence supports the fact that you never go back to being the same person. The biggest learning for me was that I wasn't any different to anyone else, cancer was bigger than me. Cancer sorted me out." Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and via www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/resources/podcasts/charlotte-tottman-podcast-series/ Dr Charlotte Tottman is |
When casseroles stop. psychologist's raw and real reality of post treatment adjustment
Breast Cancer Network Australia
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