I've been diagnosed with a squamous cell cancer tumour growing in my abdomen.
I've been waiting 3wks for an appointment with the oncologist, mostly remaining calm.
Today fear and anxiety has been building and negative thoughts about tunour growing and chemo not working when I eventually get it.
My head feels as if it will burst and I'm feeling very nauseous and tense.
I'm reaching out for support, some calming advice. I'm frightened.
Hello Plusfive,
I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer in your abdomen. Being diagnosed with cancer is a worrying and stressful time and waiting for your appointment in 3 weeks- it is very natural to feel anxious and frightened.
I can understand the feeling of being tense and nauseous. I have felt that way sometimes too.
What tends to work for me is to reach out to those closest to me and express how I feel. Sometimes just writing it all down or talking it through helps. If you find it hard to talk to those closest- which at times I did- then the support line (number at the bottom) is worth a call. They are lovely on there.
I also find that when the panic is setting in, it helps to be active, go for a walk, even just go out into the garden a potter around. Anything as a bit of a distraction. I also find tidying/sorting jobs helped me. My home was never tidier than when I was waiting for appointments/results etc. I find if I sit in one spot and just think about things, it doesn't help. If you don't feel up to going out for a walk, move to a different room- even if its only to the kitchen to put the kettle on.
Some people say to meditate helps but sometimes I found a nice relaxing bath with some candles and listening to some calming music. Anything really that normally helps you relax. I watched a lot of Friends episodes while recovering from surgery- nice, gentle, funny and predictable tv. I also found doing jigsaws on my tablet would occupy my mind a bit.
I don't know if you have any hobbies- but a bit of what you normally do- sometimes helps- I play the piano and I knit- both helped me pass the time on many occasions during my recovery.
But most of all- I found it best to just go with the flow and accept that it is normal in these circumstances to feel anxious. Hopefully in 3 weeks time you will have some answers and you will find out what the plan is. I always felt a bit better once the waiting was over and I knew what I needed to do next.
I hope this helps a little
Jane
I found it hard when I was stuck at home while recovering- I worked fulltime until the day of my surgery. And I understand that you don't want to feel you are burdening others with your emotions. It is tough. Sounds like a great idea to get the walker/shopper with a seat, even if you don't go far- it will help.
Tiredness is natural and part of the healing too, its a lot to go through - cancer. I always find that when I get tired, I struggle more. I think most people do.
I hope that you feel a bit brighter soon. Take one day at a time and if a day is too much, take part of the day. That's what someone once said to me.
Don't feel alone, you have reached out-well done.
Jane
