ANXIETY

Hi , i’m Not sure I can offer much advice on anxiety as it’s not something that I have really suffered with. But I just wanted to remind you that you are going through a huge, life changing experience right now and trying to cope with both the physical and mental challenges that this disease and it’s treatments throw at you! So PLEASE don’t be giving yourself a hard time because you aren’t that active and fit person right now! At the moment your ‘fit’ body has been hit by the Chemo train and that is a huge shock for any body to deal with! But once you are through the Chemo and you are back to eating properly and slowly start to exercise again you will start to see glimpses of the ‘old’ you! So please don’t think this is forever! This is just a moment in time and it will pass!! Although it is pretty shitty when you are living in that moment...... it DOES get better! Promise!

Right now I think you just need reminding that you are doing great! If I was there I would offer you a supportive hug, but this will have to do.....

Take care and just take things One day at a time! You CAN get through this. Sal xx

Hi

You're going through so much at the moment, it's no wonder you feel anxious. Plus, you're normal routine is gone and you're used to being very active (and physical activity is great for burning adrenaline, therefore, reduces anxiety)

I've not had chemo, so I can't help with that. But, I underwent Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD and had horrible panic attacks and other anxiety responses. I tried a few things to help with the panic:

Firstly: a simple rebreathing technique, which I practised several times everyday (and more when I was not feeling anxious). Basically, breath in normally, then hold the breath gently for a count of five, then exhale slowly, so that the exhale lasts longer than the 'holding'. this technique helps to rebalance levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, which go all out of whack when we're experiencing anxiety.

Secondly: mindfulness. I'm not suggesting sitting down and meditating for 30 mins because when you're experiencing anxiety this can be nigh on impossible. Instead, I recommend doing normal activities 'mindfully'. So, while you're doing any activity (ie making a cup of tea, getting dressed, hugging a loved one etc) Try to be fully in the moment, focus on your senses - the sensation of how something feels, how it looks, how it smells etc. try to keep your mind focused and when it wanders, try to bring it back to the moment. Even if you only manage a few seconds at a time, it can help and it begins the process of 'retraining' the brain

Thirdly: try to be really kind to yourself. The bottom line is, you are going through a hellish time at the moment. A time that would test any person on earth. You need to take time out for yourself, and be kind to yourself about the anxiety, be kind to yourself about the strain on your body and your emotions and keep reminding yourself, this time in your life will pass (your brain might not believe you but keep saying it - the more we repeat things the easier it is for our brains to 'update' and build new neural pathways, new ideas, new coping strategies)

All of these things take a few seconds to do. I found it took a while before they began to work but, in the long run, they all helped me cope better with anxiety. Ultimately, you need to find what works best for you but I really do wish you well

big hugs, Naid xxx

You've had some great responses from some great people

I pop in here now and again having stepped away from here and being a Champ

What I want to tell you is:

1. I’m here in the Spanish sunshine living a new normal

2. This time last year that seemed a million miles away from what I was experiencing 

3. Every thing we experience in life changes us. Births, deaths, divorces etc etc. We are not the same women we were when we started out as being a woman 

4. Try as hard as you can to embrace the changes . Find a way to embrace the little things that make you smile

5. Accept the poop but don’t let it define you

6. Make you a priority in your life

7. Breathe

8. Laugh

9. Ignore my poop post

Leolady56

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What fabulous advice thank you so much for taking the time. It all seems so obvious but i never thought of any of it. I will try it all. X

Thank you soooo much x

So overwhelmed by the lovely replies. Many thanks x