Breast cancer and anxiety

 Hi Christabelly

Welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are struggling.  Are you on any medication for your anxiety? If you are it would be a good idea to make an appointment with your GP and get them to increase your dose.  If you feel up to it why not call the Macmillan helpline on 0808 808 0000 to talk to someone about how you are feeling, they will arrange counselling for you if you'd like to give that a try.  Alternatively if you have a Maggie's Centre or another cancer centre near you could either give them a ring or call in and they can also arrange counselling for you or you could give some of the therapies they offer a try.  Take each day as it comes and try to get out for a walk everyday even if only for a short while as it can help clear your head.  You could also give some of the meditation apps a try to see if that helps.  They are free to download and have a certain amount of free meditations that you can try.  Also keep coming on here if you want to have a rant about your situation as we've all felt hopeless at times so we will understand what you are going through and there's no judgement here.

Wishing you the best of luck with the remainder of your treatment.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Christabelly I've suffered very badly with anxiety throughout my treatment.

When I went for my chemo assessment with the nurse I just happened to mention the anxiety and started to cry. She  referred to the psychology team  and 5 days later I had a counselling session with a specialist counsellor for cancer patients. I had 5 sessions with her and it really helped to say things aloud ... the bits that you keep to yourself as you don't want to worry family and friends.

I am still very anxious, but I now know the triggers, like having a different nurse each time to do my chemo...this was sorted for me via an email from the councillor.... talking to the oncologist about his flippant way of dismissing certain worries of mine...was also sorted.

It's a rotten place to be especially when trying to get to sleep. I have a google home hub and have bought some audio books from Google Play... the hub can play the audio books  and can start and stop them with voice control...so I would ask the hub to read my audio book and turn off in 20 minutes...by which time I'm usually asleep. The books I have chosen are like magazines, with short articles... I have listened to this probably 50 times and still hearing new stuff.

I really wish you well xx

Thank you so much for your email..It is very much appreciated.  I'm very thankful for your advice.

Many thanks

Thank you so much for sharing with me. it is very much appreciated.

I can so relate to what you are going through anxiety wise! I have been battling anxiety for years including panic attacks, some of them quite frightening I have to admit! I even ended up in ER on a couple of occasions! You've already got some great advice from the lovely ladies here and I cannot add much to that, but I can share what really worked and still works for me. The worst thing you can do is to isolate yourself from family and friends and spend too much time on thinking about worst case scenarios (which most probably will never happen!). A supportive family and friends is a blessing, but not everybody has that. I don't know what your situation is, but try to talk about how you feel to the people who are close to you, don't be shy or ashamed - it is not a crime or a joke to feel depressed! What helped me most was focusing on work (I am lucky I work from home) and trying to do the things I enjoy most - a book, a good movie, a short walk or a long one which is even better or just going out to distract yourself from your 'bad' thoughts. Remember you are not alone. There are so many of us going through this same ordeal! Also remember that there is other end and you will get there, just try your hardest to stay strong and optimistic, this always helps.

Big hug,

Lana xx

Hi Christabelly , I'm at a similar stage in my treatment to you by the sounds of it, post-mastectomy and one round of chemo down, next one due tomorrow. I didn't have prior troubles with anxiety but I'm certainly feeling it now! I'm still working out what's helpful for me, particularly as I'm struggling so hard to tell the difference between the physical symptoms of anxiety and what's the possible warning signs of a physical health problem. Normally I'd find going out for a run or walk really beneficial, but I'm wary of doing so now I'm worried about fighting off infection. That said, when I have got myself outside to move, it always feels better after. Short yoga videos on YouTube (there are lots of cancer/treatment specific ones too) seem to give me better control of my breath. I haven't taken any up yet but I believe lots of people fond the MacMillan support options helpful - my breast care nurse is great and always willing to be cried at! The other thing that helps is music - things I know really well from childhood especially, or calming classical pieces. Today I went for a couple of pieces that always make me feel more positive - like the sun is coming straight through the roof! 

I suppose as with the rest of it there's no one answer for everyone, but know that there are plenty of us here willing to hold a little corner for you in whatever way we can. X

Hello Gingerbiscuit

Really thankful for your reply to my enquiry.  So good of you to share your experience with me. Shall look for some yoga videos.

Many thanks.

Christabelly

Glad you found it useful, and hope it helps! Obviously different things will probably be more or less helpful to each of us but I trust you will find you way x