Constant anxiety

Hi Bboo7c331e and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your challenges.

I have been on my cancer journey with 2 rare types of Lymphoma (one incurable) for over 25 years so I have had time to be able to develop the ability to take control and define the parts of the journey I can control and leave the medical professionals to deal with everything else.

The bottom line in all this is…… regardless the amount of stress we throw at this, in the end it makes no difference to outcomes but it will unfortunately make you ill.

Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.

The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… but you don’t say what type of cancer you have If you care to have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.

These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.

Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your cancer type....... click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.

When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.

The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.

Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.

All the best.

Hi, I feel like you. I feel for you too. That's why I just came on here, as I was feeling anxious.

I was diagnosed in June, my op was July, picc line tomorrow and starting chemo next week. I had a fairly normal odd day or two when I was recovering from my op but when I heard about needing chemo this month, the anxiety got a lot worse.

I think it's very understandable. I tried to get help from Talking Therapies but there was a waiting list, but  I found Maggies was helpful if there is one near you. My oncology nurse suggested going to my GP to get something for my anxiety and a friend suggested an antidepressant. Perhaps I should have done that 2-3 months ago as it's a long road. 

I haven't been able to feel positive and a fighter as people are telling me, but I think it will help us if we can try and keep a positive mindset although I'm not there yet.

Are you feeling anxious as you're in that waiting period, waiting to start something or find out results etc? I heard that it gets better once your treatment starts.

Do you feel you're getting enough support from your hospital team? 

The Macmillan chat service is also helpful. 

I truly wish you well, I totally understand and wish I could make things better for you x

It’s got to the point where I’m just anxious about being anxious- the chemo I’ve had (12 weeks paclitaxel and 5 phesgo) I know isn’t great for the heart and so now I’ve developed some real health anxiety. I scared of hurting myself from it, so it’s become a real cycle. I’ve had several rapid palpitations- one just before I had to go get treatment. Also my side effects replicate those of anxiety- tight chest being the main one- so that too enables the cycle. 

How are you feeling about the picc line tomorrow? I had mine taken out as it wasn’t helping me with how I was feeling but the actual insertion on the day was fine. 

I'm anxious about the picc line insertion.  Almost so much I'd rather have no treatment, but guess what? You saying the insertion was fine has encouraged me so much! Thank you. I understand the worry about the side effects. I was wondering if you've tried meditation? I have started listening to a healing meditation in the morning and a sleep hypnosis at night which helps the anxiety. There are some meds to help with anxiety if it gets too much, I wonder if thats a good short term option, my oncology nurse seemed to think so. Hope you have a good night's sleep tonight, we must try as our bodies need the rest to get stronger and recover.