help with cancer-related anxiety

I am in remission and still on a 5 yr cancer treatment, 3 more years left. I have PTSD, anxiety and brain fog.
Counseling can help but you already know the root cause. The goal is to keep your mind present, centered so you are not thinking of the future.

Do you have a dog?

A friend suggested to me to visit a Children’s Hospital and read to kids with cancer.

I'm glad you found Connect--and I think you can get some good suggestions here. Even though the diagnosis was some time ago, you might still be able to get into a group for people with breast cancer. Your oncologist/cancer center should know of the available ones. Also, I have a friend who is a social worker who told me that each state's social work organization maintains a list of counselors who will do volunteer therapy for free. This might be worth looking into. Counseling from a chaplain or clergy member should be free, and here again a cancer center should be able to refer to a non-denominational one. It isn't for everyone, but can be a support that is more generally spiritual than specific.
What activities or approaches have you found the most useful to you over the course of life--not just for cancer? Do you like to read, journal, walk, meditate or anything else? I've found all those activities help with anxiety in general. Also, if you like your PCP she or he can be a good resource and hopefully listen and advise. Keep in touch with us as you explore if you feel like it!

I’m definitely on the same page with you when it comes to cancer anxiety, it’s been my biggest challenge since I was diagnosed in 2020 with lung cancer, I know that you mentioned breast cancer however I don’t think that it matters when dealing with PTSD. I too had a rough time dealing with my fear and it took its toll on me mentally and physically, there was also other issues that came along with family, friends and the medical community. I suppose the best thing to do is focus on other things to occupy your mind, keeping busy is always helpful, pretty much everything that takes your mind off the fears. I did find coming here to the Mayo connection was very beneficial for me, talking with people who relate to you and for me, reaching out to those who need help. I really don’t feel so alone anymore and that’s good medicine for sure, also my faith in God has gotten stronger and it helped me get through the fear. I hope that you will find peace in time and always remember that you’re not alone in your journey to survive.

@malebreastcancer47 Hello! Yes, I do have a dog ... 2, in fact, plus 2 cats. Interesting that you mentioned keeping my mind present --- I've started practicing mindfulness as well as meditation and they seem to be helping. Thank you for taking the time to reply!

@mir123 Thank you so much your advice. Checking with a social worker does seem like a good option.
I've lived with anxiety and depression for most of my life and I have developed some coping strategies (exercise and diet are a bit priority for me), but the anxiety seems to be more ramped up than usual. The cancer also kicked my body into menopause and I've heard that a lot of women struggle with anxiety during this time. Most recently, I have been meditating and am also considering trying yoga. I have done Pilates before but not yoga. But I do try to ride my bike through the park every day after work, then take my dog for a walk later in the evening.

@frouke Thank you so much. I'm happy that you found some things that work for you. It really does help to be able to talk to people who know what you are going through. I was seeing a counselor a few years ago, but I couldn't afford to keep seeing her long-term. I wish counseling wasn't so expensive!

Listen to and meditate with Dr. Bernie Siegel and Louise Hay.