Anxiety level soaring

Are you at a cancer research hospital. I find it interesting that letrozole is supposed to shrink the tumor. I looked it up at MD Anderson as i am on it because it is to stop the estrogen production.
Your tumor may not be very big? Did you have a biopsy or any test? You seem to be in the natural progression for care. Next you see the cancer psychologist. Have you seen a medical oncologist? If you had all the tests, then they come up with the plan for your cancer. All cancers have a different treatment plan.
Stay away from DR. Google. What you have been diagnosed with is best brought to your medical team. Do you have a team? DR Google may send you to a rabbit hole of no good.
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Hi! MJ@mjmac:

I admire your wisdom of seeking out a cancer psychologist to help you strive through this rough patch of life and doing everything that you can to face and conquer this challenge bravely. Perhaps your team of doctors already confirmed that the cancerous cells that causing your BC is ER+ by biopsy, this is the reason they prescribe letrozole to shrink that tumor, because any AI medications (letrozole is one of them) will stop the Estrogen production in your body thus to shrink that tumor to a more managable size before the surgical operation. So I think you're in the good hands of an excellent care team. Based on these favorable facts that I gathered from your statements, I do not have any wisdom to add but to pray for you, pray that the gracious Lord guide you and your care team step by step, protect you and comfort you directly from above. Simply take one step at a time, enjoy your family and friends alongside you, for surely you shall be fine!

Wishing you and everyone in this journey a brighter, healthier, and happier future to come!

Thank you for your reply. I totally agree and am staying away from Google and that rabbit hole. I do have a cancer team, I have done all the testing and am scheduled to meet with a cancer psychologist. I just went through the stress of a genetic test which came back good. But with every change, ache or pain I stress all over again. I know that letrozole causes some of these changes I’m just looking for a way to reduce the anxiety prior to my psych appointment.

Yes, ER & PR+ buy biopsy.
Thank you for your kind words, prayers and positive attitude!
I love your handle, “life traveler”.

You’re in the most difficult phase for anxiety. I remember telling my surgeon that I felt like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day living the same day over and over with another test, more waiting (the worst), another appointment then repeating the cycle many times. Once all the data is in and you have a set plan you’ll feel better. The morning of my double mastectomy I felt so relaxed because I knew it was finally the beginning of healing. I had climbed to the top of the mountain and was finally going to head back down. Hang in there. It will get better. Prayers for you.

This is what works for me. @mjmac
I wrote down what are my fears and the things I’m grateful for. Even when you received this diagnosis, there are positive things that you can highlight. For instance, You have access to a good medical team that is doing the best for you , you have the support of friends and family, the cancer was detected and now you have a treatment plan …etc …
When you look at your fears, you realize that some of them are actually the result of your mind going to dark places and creating bad outcome scenarios that at this point you don’t know if are going to happen or not.
I highly recommend that you can continue with meditation , even if it’s hard at the beginning, is a skill that you can master with patience and at your own peace. Meditation help you to keep your mind in the present and that’s a fantastic tool for us.

Thank you! I am seriously considering a double because I don’t want to go through all this anxiety again. Although I am aware that there could still be issues. Are you happy about the choice you made? Did you have reconstruction?

Thank you for your positive outlook! I will try your recommendations.

@mjmac
I did not have reconstruction (11 years ago) and am happy I didn’t. Like you, I didn’t want to go through more than I had to. I was stage 1 but BRCA2+. If you are sure you don’t want reconstruction be sure the surgeon believes that and gives you the flattest look not leaving excess skin for reconstruction — my only complaint. I have prosthetics that just go on with the outfit when I’m going out with friends and want my clothes to fit better but I don’t wear them around the neighborhood, running errands, etc. I was 54 and divorced so it was an easy decision for me. One benefit — it is much easier to exercise with a flat chest. 😊Best of luck with your decisions.

I too am in the difficult phase of waiting. I had a lumpectomy on August 20. I was fortunate to have the surgeon I wanted available quickly (from diagnosis).
I too feel anxious, waiting for the results of my lymph node involvement. Waiting for a treatment plan. Hoping the estrogen blockers are tolerable (I’m Esteogen positive). Friends who have been through this tell me this is the hardest part.

I spoke to a friend recently who I admire for her devotion, we prayed together, I do believe I am not alone on this journey , and I try to leave my fears with Him. I truly feel he is walking with me.

I can’t say it’s always easy, I definitely have my moments. I wish you all the best. We will get through this, you’re not alone.