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PTSD after mastectomy
This really isn't a question. I had a mastectomy almost five years ago, 18 months of anastrozol, no chemo or radiation. The entire experience left me with a lot of fear and anxiety, especially when it was time for my mammogram. It takes so long for an appointment and the results. This time it was a week only to find out it was "incomplete" and needed to be redone. Yesterday I had a mammogram and ultrasound and can't get in until Monday for a needle biopsy. Then there will be another wait for the results. It is very small and would not have been found manually. I don't know if I can go through this all again. I am 79. I feel frozen like I can't move and have little interest in anything. My daughter is helping me, takes me to my appointments so I am fortunate. My little dog doesn't leave my side and I feel lucky to not be alone with this. I know the statistics say 80 percent of the biopsies are benign, but that wasn't the case last time. Any suggestions?
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whr, if you have a my chart page with your provider, you can pull of the results more quickly. Otherwise definitely tell the provider to call you or message you immediately with the results.
You might consider a stellate ganglion block. You could well have PTSD. The block is an injection in the neck said to reset the nervous system. It effectively reduces the emotional effects of a problem. It is an office procedure that takes several minutes and requires no prep. Bless your good daughter. Best wishes.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17507-stellate-ganglion-block
They didn't have the results posted, they send them to your doc and they give you the results. I am in Austin, Tx and there are not enough providers. It was not as complicated when I lived in Minnesota. Thanks for the info.
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1 ReactionOne of my dear friends just had her mammogram called Enhanced Contrast Imaging. They insert a dye for contrast. They give you the results immediately before you leave. And, it’s highly accurate. Much more than other types. My friend has family history and is very focused on getting checked due to her dense breast.
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1 ReactionThanks for sharing, you're not alone.
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1 ReactionI had the biopsy yesterday and it wasn't a terrible experience. It is very small, like a beebee. I will have the results next week. I was told this isn't because I opted out on chemo and radiation which eased my anxiety a bit. Stay tuned....
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1 Reaction@whr best of luck to you. I have experienced a lot of anxiety over my cancer journey as well. I find the biopsies to be just terrible and am happy to hear your recent one wasn't so bad. I hope your results show nothing of significance and you can rest easy < 3
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2 ReactionsUpdate: IDC is the diagnosis, terrified. I meet with an Oncologist at Texas Oncology on Monday.
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2 ReactionsSo very sorry for the recurrence. You are strong. You got through this before, you WILL get through this again. I don't know you, but God knows you... I just lifted you up to Him. May you feel His strength and comfort. Sending you a huge hug!!
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4 ReactionsSo sorry you are having to go through this again. Waiting is so difficult. Worrying is real. The cancer center I go to has an amazing therapist I see. I find it to be helpful. Try and look for a bright spot in each day. Take time for some deep breathing and a gentle walk each day. You can do this. God’s blessings on you. So glad your daughter is there for you.
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2 ReactionsI have an appointment with the oncologist Monday, surgeon Wednesday. Yesterday my bone density test said I have osteoporosis, it just keeps getting worse. No more hormone therapy for me.
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