1. < Breast Cancer

Anxiety level soaring

Posted by mjmac @mjmac, Aug 29 12:15pm

Hello,
I was dx with ILC in June, I’m on letrozole to shrink tumor before lumpectomy or mastectomy.
I am wondering how everyone is managing their anxiety levels. It seems every new test, feeling or sensation sends my anxiety through the roof. I am scheduled to see a cancer psychologist in September but in the mean time … help!
I do exercise and deep breathing, haven’t been able to master meditation.
I am so thankful for this group! When I read all your posts they do give me a sense of calm and hope!
Thank you to all of you for sharing your journey's and any ideas you may care to share.
MJ

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katgob | @katgob | Aug 30 11:10pm
In reply to @mjmac "Thank you for your reply. I totally agree and am staying away from Google and that..." + (show)
@mjmac

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.

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Thank you for the info. I read all the informative comments written by wise women who have walked this road. I had a double done. But. The left side with the tumor first, with an expander put in. My tumor continued to grow as my chemo ended, so that side had to go. Covid had stepped in so the surgery was postponed over a month. I was supposed to get radiation so i got the expander so the implant would not be affected by the radiation. Then, no radiation. It proved not to be beneficial to the cancer i had. Then I developed a DVT. Deep vein Thrombosis blood clot in my thigh. 1 year after the 1st surgery i had the completed surgery. Honestly, I just wanted to look the same. I did not go big. I am about the same size i have always been. This is a personal choice. I know a number of women who went flat. They love the freedom.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 12 6:43pm
In reply to @mjmac "Thank you for your positive outlook! I will try your recommendations." + (show)
@mjmac

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

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@mjmac, how are you doing?

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tullynut | @tullynut | Sep 13 5:59am

I have significant anxiety. Host of reasons and breast cancer is but one of them. My pcp prescribed medication that I take mostly at night (can’t drive if taking med daytime) and it helps a lot. I do take it daytime IF some stressful appointment is scheduled and make sure I have a driver. In my case PTSD (only partially cancer related-other issues were/are at play. Medication helps. Time passing with the cancer treatments helps too.

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1 reply
catlover2020 | @catlover2020 | Sep 14 11:07am
In reply to @tullynut "I have significant anxiety. Host of reasons and breast cancer is but one of them. My..." + (show)
@tullynut

I have significant anxiety. Host of reasons and breast cancer is but one of them. My pcp prescribed medication that I take mostly at night (can’t drive if taking med daytime) and it helps a lot. I do take it daytime IF some stressful appointment is scheduled and make sure I have a driver. In my case PTSD (only partially cancer related-other issues were/are at play. Medication helps. Time passing with the cancer treatments helps too.

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I feel you. I take xanax, have since 80s. Panic attack if I see accident or something horrible. One day I didn't, and a store shelf fell on me. I froze and panic attack hit

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1 reply
catlover2020 | @catlover2020 | Sep 14 11:09am
In reply to @catlover2020 "I feel you. I take xanax, have since 80s. Panic attack if I see accident or..." + (show)
@catlover2020

I feel you. I take xanax, have since 80s. Panic attack if I see accident or something horrible. One day I didn't, and a store shelf fell on me. I froze and panic attack hit

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Try taking half when going out

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