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The Roller Coaster Ride of Cancer

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Aug 20, 2017

Hello to all of you who have had cancer diagnosis and treatments.

The past couple of months I have been on a roller coaster ride with concerns about cancer. I am a volunteer mentor here at Mayo Connect and I came to Connect after my third diagnosis of a Neuroendocrine Tumor (a rare form of cancer), so needless to say my stress level goes up whenever I have a scan, blood work, etc. that doesn't look completely normal. Recently I had a scan which showed a liver lesion (which was finally decided to be benign) and a mammogram that looked suspicious at first glance. Follow up tests showed all to be OK. I work with two different hospital systems in my area, so I have a good check and balance system in place. The thought occurred to me that many of us with cancer in our history probably experience similar roller coaster rides at one time or another.

Please feel to share with us how you deal with this when it happens. How do you "put your mind at ease?" What steps do you take with your doctors, getting second opinions, researching online, etc.?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Teresa

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Mar 24, 2023
In reply to @dianemb "I agree I have the anxiety with the procedures and tests. I try not to think..." + (show)
@dianemb

I agree I have the anxiety with the procedures and tests. I try not to think about it too much except when I’m being prepped or in a tube of some sort. Is there a possibility of some calming medication one could receive ? I haven’t asked. Sometimes I can’t even say a prayer it’s too much.

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@dianemb Are you wondering about a calming medication when you are having an MRI Scan? I had a PET/MR Imaging study done at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and knowing that I am very claustrophobic and anxious about a recurrence that was already diagnosed I asked for medication. I've had an MRI before and knew that sliding into that tube would send me into a panic. My provider prescribed Ativan (not sure of the dosage) but it worked very well. I remember bits and pieces of the procedure but I did not feel anxious. It took several hours for the Ativan to wear off but that was OK as we were staying at a hotel and so I just went back to the hotel and took a very long nap.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 25, 2023
In reply to @dianemb "I agree I have the anxiety with the procedures and tests. I try not to think..." + (show)
@dianemb

I agree I have the anxiety with the procedures and tests. I try not to think about it too much except when I’m being prepped or in a tube of some sort. Is there a possibility of some calming medication one could receive ? I haven’t asked. Sometimes I can’t even say a prayer it’s too much.

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Hello @dianemb

If you feel that a calming medication would help, please ask your doctor. You will need a driver so that you will get home safely.

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lizshack | @lizshack | Mar 25, 2023

Esophagus is my third cancer. I beat the other two. I have kind of a “been there, done that” attitude. I am afraid, but when I turn to my petty chores, I think of “carpe dime”. and then I focus on the beauties of life that cancer can’t touch.

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alfonso22 | @alfonso22 | Mar 25, 2023
In reply to @dianemb "I agree I have the anxiety with the procedures and tests. I try not to think..." + (show)
@dianemb

I agree I have the anxiety with the procedures and tests. I try not to think about it too much except when I’m being prepped or in a tube of some sort. Is there a possibility of some calming medication one could receive ? I haven’t asked. Sometimes I can’t even say a prayer it’s too much.

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I have liver cancer my doctor give a chill pill each time I get MIR ( 3 month ) I am claustrophobic yes is hard to deal with our cancer but I have accepted I know God has plans for me the odd is my mother pass of the same cancer I guess I am my mother’s son let’s be strong positive life is too short we need to live to its fullest ❤️❤️

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Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Mar 27, 2023

You should certainly ask your doctor. There is ativan, valium, and a beta-blocker can work but your doc can figure out what is most appropriate. Alternative remedies include valerian drops, rescue remedy, homeopathic drops, and aromatherapy...but again, check with doctor as valerian at least has side effects.
Personally I cut down caffeine when I'm anxious, particularly on a test day. Lavender essence in a little bottle in my purse helps like smelling salts. Hope you are managing ok right now

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1 reply
donsunlover | @donsunlover | Mar 28, 2023
In reply to @mir123 "You should certainly ask your doctor. There is ativan, valium, and a beta-blocker can work but..." + (show)
@mir123

You should certainly ask your doctor. There is ativan, valium, and a beta-blocker can work but your doc can figure out what is most appropriate. Alternative remedies include valerian drops, rescue remedy, homeopathic drops, and aromatherapy...but again, check with doctor as valerian at least has side effects.
Personally I cut down caffeine when I'm anxious, particularly on a test day. Lavender essence in a little bottle in my purse helps like smelling salts. Hope you are managing ok right now

Jump to this post

Interesting study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29327213/

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