Facing Cancer Recurrence, PTSD & Acknowledging Mental Health

@karendb - Karen, I have many of the same concerns and in addition some painful physical side effects from Arimidex. Starting tomorrow i'm going to go off Arimidex for two weeks to see if it is contributing to these things. I'll let you know the results.

Hi merpreb. I am one month from completing everything, lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I too feel the fear everyday. I'm on anti anxiety meds but I don't think they really help. I saw my surgeon this week and she said everything looks great and clear but I still worry. I'm not only afraid of reoccurrence but seem to be afraid of just about everything like if I'm eating to much sugar, carbs, can I have a beer with my husband and the list goes on and on and on. 🙁 I hate this new me but don't know how to fix it. Just take one day at a time I guess.

@merpreb Found yesterday in the whole night that I was really feeling worried, apprehensive, and flat out frightened. It is for now a kind of mild PTSD. I take generic Prozac for depression andI guess this helps, but for some reason the doubts of "what ifs" are starting to creep in. Also as mentioned in another post of mine, I had the achy rib soreness that seems to be part of the post surgery recovery. It felt like a big lump of ribs on the right side that simply ached no matter what I did, or what pain pills I took. So, I am not anywhere near Little Miss Sunshine as I go through the healing process. Some days I worry about what might go wrong with the first post surgery CT scan, what if the surgery was not sufficient--have all the path reports and the detailed report from my kind surgeon. All reads well and no one on the medical team seems overly concerned, but I seem to lack a basic trust that I'm being told everything. That is purely conjecture on my part. I get kind of OCD about wondering all of the what ifs and that is not healthy for mind, or body. Will see my oncologist week after next and see if he knows of a local group that meets where these topics can be discussed in a safe environment. Also, am thinking that maybe a yoga class that is gentle and easy would be a good idea for getting back more motion. So, not to complain, but everything is never just wonderful--I do have my moments--many of them. There are few people except for this site with whom I can speak my mind and am learning to do that. Just wanted to let all know here that I am a cancer survivor who hopes and prays the future will be okay. I try to live each day as it comes, but it isn't easy. I find lots of strength in this group. Thank you all.

@muffy Thank you for the ideas. Ice ordered three bras from the gentler site. Really like the idea of the Scar Away tape. Will order that from good old amazon, too. I don't like really tight things and haven't despite the surgery. I"m retired and don't see a real reason to get all "gussied" up s I used to, unless I go to a concert, or something like an opera. Anyway, I"m glad to know about your scars being flat. I don't mind eating many months for things to return to normal so 8 1/2 months, our so seems reasonable. The rib cage feels sore sometimes--that happened yesterday while huffing and puffing at the Cardiologists; However, it is much better today. I'll check out the comfort bras on Amazon--Amazon has me completely spoiled for getting things. Will get the tape there, too. Nearby where I get my hair done is a specialty bra shop for all kinds of needs. I'd due a trim and will go over to that in a couple of weeks and just check things out. I appreciate your tips of feeling better while wearing clothes. I think I can get by with my loose Tee Shirts and a blouse with them when out in public. Again, I appreciate your information. All of this helps so much in recovery. Thank you fro your good wishes.

I have sensitive skin. I had this very same problem with one of my 4 scars being right under the bra elastic. What worked for me were 3 things: using "Scar Away" tape for 3 months (at least 22 hours out of 24 every day); going without a bra (for 8 1/2 months), and wearing tops under loose flannel shirts that were slightly, but comfortably, compressive (I hat anything tight and too close to my skin - I wore these inside out with the seam out). Then after 8 1/2 months I transitioned to Hanes Smooth comfort bra (a tip that I found from another lung surgery patient). Then finally back to a normal bra, although 1 yr, 8 months later I sometimes wear the comfort bras. I got mine at Target and also at Amazon. It's style WHG 796. So, did I feel comfortable not wearing a bra? No, but the tops and flannel shirts helped me to feel a little bit better than my t-shirts. Good Luck. BTW, all my scars are now flat.

Feeling ok and do my best to.keep busy and motivated to get projects done while I do feel ok. Hang in there and don’t stop your check-ups.

Thank you!!!! I will try gentler and look at sports bras. That would be wonderful not to have the bottom band cut into where the incisions were made. So, far things seem to be moving along well. Hoping we get some rain in this part of Texas! We need it.

@alamogal635- Sounds like you have everything under control. I'm so glad that are feeling better. Here's a few suggestions
https://www.gentlebra.com/ Also try a sports bra Have a wonderful weekend too.

@merrpreb I am doing well for 3 weeks post surgery. Have seen several doctors, had my stitches removed yesterday, met a pulmonologist and had him check me out--all seems all right. Week after next will meet with my oncologist so he can follow me via CT scans and whatever. Pain is very slight--hurts more where my bra goes than anywhere else. Breathing is good and I"m no longer using oxygen. Thank you for asking. I haven't posted here for a while--been focusing on doctors, but I do read the posts. Just got home and saw your kind e mail. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

@alamogal635- How are you feeling? has you pain subsided? How is your breathing?