They found a mass: How do you cope with anxiety and all the tests etc?

@loula- Good afternoon. My answer to you is that most things concerned with cancer are scary. My suggestion to you, my friend, is to stop listening to people's stories. People don't think when they divulge bad news to someone in the same boat. Everyone is different. If you were, for example, to have the same protocol as your friend, I bet you would have an entirely different response.

I ask people not to tell me stories. People can also say the silliest things too. But the most important thing is to just do your best. No one can plan how they will respond to these chemicals. Some people lose their hair, some don't. I didn't with chemo.

As cancer patients, we have to buffer ourselves from harmful and stressful things so that all of our energies are centered on getting better. I had to stop a relative from even visiting me because she was just too stressed, and I banned her from the hospital.

I stayed away from junk on the computer. My life and cancer were scary enough. Does this make sense?

@loula. Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry your friend got into your head like that. I’m sad for what her son went through and certainly for her, as a mother, it’s gut wrenching. But it was incredibly insensitive for her to project that into your scenario.
I had the same type of stories when I went through my AML treatments and bone marrow transplant. All, ALL the horror stories come out from ‘well meaning’ people. Pay them no heed, honestly! You and your body are unique in that ‘this is your story, your journey’ and the outcome will be entirely different. You only had one chemo treatment, your next is coming up. You have a great team of doctors and nurses wanting a positive outcome for you and together, with your continued positive outlook, will take control of this!
If you want a positive, feel-good story, my dear friend had kidney cancer that spread into her lungs and brain. She was told to ‘get her affairs in order’. Not willing to accept that verdict, she changed doctors and now...Well, 7 years later, she is a fireball and completely cancer free!!! Hikes many miles daily, kayaks, bikes 20+ miles a day in the summer, cross country skis in the winter.
Similar story for me. My prognosis wasn’t rosy with my initial diagnosis. But I had amazing medical teams working with me. First to eradicate the leukemia and then the transplant. I’m now almost 2 years post transplant, in remission and feel fantastic. Liistening to all the negativity is just a waste of time and energy.

So shake the insensitive story from your head and forge on! You’ve got this!! I’m going to plant this in your head instead. It’s with me every day!!
The Devil whispered in my ear, “You’re not strong enough to weather this storm.” I whispered back, “I AM the storm!” You be that storm!! Lori.

Lori thank you for the positive message you made my heart lift up to carry on, I am so happy for you that your bone marrow transplant is over and you are doing so well. I look forward to Wednesday and my next treatment.

Thank you so much
Cynde

Thanks Merry, you see I get positive feed back on this site which brings someone spirit up and people that are going through the same anxiety that you are. I had my wig fitted a week ago and had them shave my hair off it was thinning so yep I said shave it I don't want to see parts of my hair fall out, this is a roller coaster ride for sure I will start telling people to not tell me stories also. I know they mean well if they only knew how we felt! how are you doing ? is it nicer weather there now ?
Thank you
Cynde

@loula Cynde, you listen to all the above messages and keep them handy for the next time you hear a bad news story, because there will be a next time. I am so proud of how far you have come dear friend and know you will get past this. And thank you for the help you are already giving to other people. Peace, Nancy

@loula Listen to the advice from @merpreb and @1nan and @loribmt ! We all know that you’ll do well, and so do you!

@loula.. your getting some wonderful advise/information here from some very knowledgeable and caring people. Your fortunate to tolerate chemo so well. I didn’t, but if it’s any consolation Keytruda worked wonders for me. You mentioned shaving your head under a wig. Funny story.. When my wife was first diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma we shaved her head so not to have it come out in clumps, so I shaved mine. She didn’t wear a wig and the waitresses at a local restaurant we frequented referred to us as “That bald headed couple in the booth”!!! Got to be quite a joke, we all laughed and that’s good medicine. Hang in there and keep a smile on your face.. Dutch

@loula- Good morning- It's trying to warm up, but still cold mornings. I'm so glad that you are making decisions ahead. This is the power that you have Cynde! It's self-control. And with this control is also information. I still research everything that I can on my odd lung cancer. Thankfully all three of my major doctors are all in agreement about it and one is a leader in its research.

I have two more weeks to go for my second shot. What symptoms, if any did you have after your first dose?

I wish you well for tomorrow. How are you bidding your time there? Books, movies, etc?

Hello Merry, I can not express myself enough of how wonderful everyone is on this site, I am so glad to be a part of a inspiring bunch of good people thank you all for being here for me and making me feel I am not alone with this battle, you lift my spirit's and help with my anxiety and panic attacks. hope my treatment tomorrow is like the first one I only felt like a semi hit me for four days and did not get sick altho I did take the anti nausea meds! have not taken the covid shots yet waiting till May then chemo will be over. so staying away from people and getting garden ready for flowers. watch a lot of movies and cleaning out the house is keeping me busy.

Thank you all for being here big hugs.
Cynde

Hi Cyndi,
I am in the middle of chemo, just had fourth round. I am waiting until after chemo to get my Covid shot as well. Just focus on the gardening!
Miriam