PTSD after mastectomy

Thank you .

I am 78 and I feel for you. I am an anxious person, so cancer puts me over the top. Upcoming surgery (1st) is finally arriving. Suggestion: My daughter gave me the gift of Bach Flower Essence. It comes in a small bottle with an eye dropper. It has a lot of different essences. I take Impatiens - like the flower name. It's calming. I put a couple of drops under my tongue. Some people put it in water and sip on it. It has definitely helped me. As a side-light it helped with my incontinence. THAT was a big surprise. It doesn't cure it, but helps you make it to the bathroom! If you take too much? It makes you sleepy.

I'm sorry to hear that you are facing this. But I wanted to tell you that I was diagnosed at 70 in 2022 with IDC in one breast and ILC in the other. I had a bilateral mastectomy at Mayo Rochester. I also have osteoporosis and the oncologist there ordered Zometa infusions for me 2x a year for 3 years. Zometa is an infusion for osteoporosis but it also has a side benefit to help us avoid cancer recurrence. Turns out women who have had breast cancer and were on Zometa for osteoporosis have a higher survival rate. So I am pleased that there is something to help on both fronts. Sending healing and wellness wishes to you❤️

Forgot to mention that I am on Tamoxifen even tho I am way past menopause due to the bone loss. Tamoxifen has some bone building properties if you are past menopause.

The oncologist was very reassuring. His recommendation is a lumpectomy and no chemo or radiation given the size of the tumor and my age. I meet with the surgeon tomorrow schedule the procedure and then meet with the oncologist after six weeks, will also get a second opinion at that time. He suggested genetic testing since I have three daughters. I found after talking to him that my first oncologist gave me inaccurate information. He recommended hormone therapy but we will talk about that later

Hi! Just curious, how long have you been on tamoxifen? And side effects ? I start my medication really soon. I am pre menopausal so not sure what side effects I will have.

I took anastrozol for 18 months, due to side effects I quit and now have full blown osteoporosis.

Hi,
I have been on tamoxifen for a year. I had mild hot flashes at night, for the first 5 or 6 months. Now I only hav them once in a great while. I think it makes my mind wander more than it used to, but I just have to refocus when that happens and then it's fine. It has caused vaginal dryness ( a Mayo Breast Doctor suggested using Replens moisturizer and that is working well for me) and it has caused me to have dryer skin in general. But I am 71 so it may be different for you. I take it right before I get in bed, usually about 11pm. I read that taking it at night before bed may help you avoid side effects. All in all I think I am tolerating it pretty well. I hope that you will too. Sending love and wellness wishes to you❤️

Weighing in on the topic of PTSD. It was first associated with veterans and active duty military after being in war combat. Then it became associated with other kinds of trauma and stress. Those of you fighting breast cancer are in a war against your own bodies and are fighting for your lives. It is only natural that you might experience PTSD. Participating in the breast cancer support group is helpful; but do not hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

Yes, I was married to a vet, he had PTSD and it was horrible. I did not take tamoxofin but Arimidex.