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Help: I need help in managing stress
I need help in managing stress. I am in the beginning phases of my cancer. It went from squamous cell carcinoma of the uterus to endrometrium cancer, now to cervix cancer and from 2 para-aortic lymph nodes on the left which appear malignant to one in my neck which is a hot spot and might need to be biopsied and now I am on overload as the docs are not sure which route to go and are getting everything together and I see months more of biopsies and xrays and tests. It is making me a nervous wreak. What do any of you do during this time? I would love your feedback because most of you have gone thru this already. Thank you for your feedback and help. Gina
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@earscan Hello Gina:
I can imagine how stressed you must be. I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer and its growth. You asked what some of us would do if we were in your situation.
Speaking for myself, I've had three surgeries for a rare form of cancer, carcinoid cancer. While in a different location than yours each surgery has resulted in a lot of anxiety. What I do in this situation is to look for the best cancer specialist in my area. In my case, I went to a university medical school and made an appointment with their cancer center. As this school was a research center, I knew I would be getting the latest and possibly the best treatment and advice possible.
Seeking out the best care available empowered me. It made me feel like I was taking control and it gave me confidence and hope which helped me deal with my anxiety. Is your medical team part of a well-known cancer research center?
There is another way that I dealt with the stress and that is not to carry it all alone. I have friends that I shared with and I attempted to keep busy with other activities in order to keep my mind off of my upcoming surgery. I encourage you to think about the things you can do at this time. What are your interests, what gives you pleasure? It might be reading, watching movies, talking to friends, etc. Whatever you can do to keep busy is important.
Here is a webinar that was just posted about dealing with resiliency when you are dealing with cancer. It will be available online on December 9 and you can probably see a recorded version after that. Here is a link to the information about the webinar, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/building-and-strengthening-resilience-during-cancer-treatment/
I know it is not easy to turn off the worry cycle, but in order to get through this time in your life, it's important to give it your best attempt.
Have any of these ideas been helpful?
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3 ReactionsThak you so much! I signed up for the seminar and appreciate your help! You're the best! Gina
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1 ReactionWonderful! I'm wishing you all the best.
Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?
I sure will! I already feel better because I did something - I signed up for the seminars. At least I am not sitting around vegetating LOL! Thank you, Gina
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1 Reaction@earscan That is good to hear, Gina!
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1 ReactionGina - I always feel better once there is a plan in place. I hope you will also. Waiting is so tough. I hope some answers come soon and you can move towards treating this. Trust in your team is fundamental. Reaching out helps so much. You have already helped me replying to my post. Best of luck and a bear hug.
Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, it is the waiting that is so tough! But I talked to the social worker today from Mayo and she is really stream-lining everything which helps and you helped just by letting me know you understand. Thank you!