New to chemo

Hello, I’m sorry to read that you are experiencing anxiety. I finished 6 rounds of chemo in June 2021, then had a mastectomy, radiotherapy, now on aromatase inhibitors. I was diagnosed during a lockdown, and lived on my own. People helped me a lot, but we were all isolating. So I experienced anxiety, loneliness etc. Like you, I had other symptoms (physical ones). But I had to keep going and get through my days. And so I found enjoyment and distraction by listening to plays and audio books on the radio, did some sewing, read a lot - I managed to find a historical fiction series which I read from book 1-7 (I had a home library service), went out everyday for a little walk (this became harder on the last cycle) and joined a lovely Zoom group that cheered us all up as we laughed a lot. Later on, and fearing recurrence, I described my anxiety and fears to my counsellor as a shadow that followed me round - a bit like in Peter Pan. She said that when the sun is high, shadows get shorter, and asked me how I could keep my sun high. I listed my favourite things - some were small - feeding the birds, having a morning cuppa with the radio on, doing an online puzzle with my son etc. That’s what I try to do now, a year on, and it does help me. Nowadays I get out and about, but still do the little things that bring me joy and distraction. And at the end of everyday, I practice gratitude, and thank the day for all the positive things - a pretty flower, my friends, a little bird, a yummy cake, a kind and understanding breast care nurse, even now. 
I’m not sure if this is helpful, as you are at an early stage of your chemotherapy, but I do understand a bit, as the anxiety thing does seem to hang around for some of us. X

Beautifully written and so glad you are doing well emotionally.  It is so hard to have those positive affirmations but I know they are healing so like you I am appreciative of even the littlest things.  Also living in awareness and that helps but still practicing.  I was fortunate to not have to go through chemotherapy.  I was 72 at diagnosis and now 73 so it would have been very hard.  Did have BC in both breasts which put me into high anxiety mode but after two lumpectomy surgeries and radiation I am feeling stronger and trying to have positive feelings every day.  
If  you like funny movies A fish called Wanda is great.  Another funny movie is Being There with Peter Sellers.  I tried to laugh during all this as it gave me stress relief.  I am going to watch High Anxiety with Mel Brooks and get a good laugh too.  Gotta keep those endorphins going.

Barbara

It’s natural to be anxious, you go through all the emotions and stages when coming to terms with the diagnosis. Speak to your GP. I went on antidepressants which really helped. Things like mindfulness apps like Headspace, Breathe, etc can help. Stage 1 means it has been caught early and there is a 99% survival rate. There are so many tailored treatments for HER positive, too, so you are in a really good position. X x

Good answer! X