How are you managing the anxiety???

Hi Anxiousdad ,

I was in more or less this position during March and April last year. I know what you mean about anxiety, because I have that in full. Each new diagnostic test seem to take forever, and my mind was full of all the very worst possibilities. You can read about my ongoing journey in my profile. 

At first the anxiety was just overwhelming and I could not find any ways of easing my mind. Joining this community was a good step towards dealing with that, because I discovered that this cancer could almost certainly be treated even if it could not be completely cured.

These things helped:

People here suggested to me that I learnt all I could about my illness - that I become an "expert patient" capable of asking valid questions and making my treatment a partnership. The word of caution here is to check your sources - Dr Google is an idiot, but Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and the home of this forum, MacMillan Cancer Support, are not. Anything referring to them (check that the reference is valid), or referred to by them, is probably ok. The NHS website is good for the basics.

Then there is time. Prostate Cancer, even an aggressive one, is comparatively slow moving. In the words of the specialist nurse who carried out my biopsy, "there is time to get it right". This is especially true of a treatment plan.

Take full advantage of whatever support is available. You have joined this forum. You can join in. Ask questions. See how many people are carrying on whatever stage their cancer is at. Join in. Soon you will be contributing.

Don't forget to talk to your GP if the anxiety is getting too much. There are some medications which are really good at dealing with anxiety until you get back on an even keel.

A whole bottle of something is rarely a good thing, but a small glass of something allowing you to relax enough to actually talk to your loved ones and receive their support may be ok.

I hope these things help.

I am now coming to the end of radiotherapy treatment as part of a "curative pathway".

There is plenty to enjoy about life.

Steve.

Hi Anxiousdad,

Sorry that you have had to find you way to this site, but (& it's a huge but) now you have you will find it's a source of great support.

My tip to keep anxiety levels down is to keep yourself busy doing things you enjoy.  It doesn't matter what it is or whether it's a solitary thing or with others.  It's surprising how taxing the old grey cells can help take your mind off worries as you focus on what you are doing.  In my case it was lots of gardening & long walks.  Seeing nature at work certainly lifted my spirits & helped keep me fit.

Best Wishes

Brian

Good Morning Anxiousdad 

Another (although belated) warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Prostate Community - although I am so sorry to find you here. I am Brian one of the Community Champions here on the Community, and I am in the 4th year of my personal Prostate Cancer journey.

Everyone is different and we all cope with anxiety differently - for me I share my issues with my wife and let her worry for me but that's just me. I also agree with Steve and Brian above, learn all you can about Prostate Cancer (what you know can't hurt you) and keep yourself busy with other things - it takes your mind off results, delays and meetings.

Here's a few other ideas:-

* Do you have a "Maggie's" near you - this is a cancer support charity - you can just drop in - have a chat and put the world to rights - oh and you can talk cancer too - link - "Maggie's".

* Anxiety UK have a help line on 0344 477 5774 and a web page at www.anxietyuk.org.uk where you will find lots of help and advice on how best to cope.

* Our Support line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) are great at giving help and support for anxiety - just give them a call - it's easy and they are a great team.

I hope some of the above help - if I can do anything else for you just give me a shout.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Anxiousdad ,

So sorry that you have found it necessary to come to this forum but now you are here please be assured that it's the best source of support to be found.

I am merely another sufferer from this horrid disease who is soldiering on towards a hopefully curable outcome. Although I did not experience great anxiety when diagnosed I recommend keeping busy and sharing your situation with family and friends. Also use the sources listed by others to do as much research as you can remembering that we are all different, this is not a 'one size fits all' journey.
I have made it a personal challenge to persuade all my male friends of the appropriate age to get tested which has broken the ice with other sufferers who may never have spoken about it otherwise. The old adage of a problem shared is a problem halved is often very true.

Don't worry about asking questions on here, there is no such thing as a stupid one.

Rod

My journey is in my profile, feel free to read it.

Thank you all for the kind replies. Saw my GP and got some beta blockers to take the edge off the anxiety.

 I already feel better having reached out here.

 I think the posters here are right, I need to get some knowledge of what I’m up against so I’m not filling in the gaps with worries.

Where do you recommend I start reading?

Hi Anxiousdad , please don’t mr Google as that will certainly cause more stress .  We chose reading from recommendations on this forum, 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/prostate-cancer

https://prostatecanceruk.org

Glad your feeling a bit better and reached out on here and your GP.

Take care 

Liz & OH xx

Definitely not Dr Google you’re right! Thanks for the links

Hi Anxiousdad,

I am in a similar position only 4 weeks in and currently awaiting the results of the MRI which I am expecting will then lead to a biopsy, I do agree the anxiety is overwhelming it's been a long four weeks, keeping active, talking to friends and family and most definitely this website has help here to read the journey and routes other members have taken

Good morning Anxiousdad . You have asked where to get information from. I usually recommend a book which you can download for free which explains the diagnosis and treatment options.

https://issuu.com/magazineproduction/docs/js_prostate_cancer_guide_for_patients_ezine

This will probably lead to more questions which we will try and help answer. 

Your first step is to have the biopsy, my husband has had 3 and apart from a little bit of discomfort afterwards and loss of dignity during them then they were soon over and done with. Just be aware that you might see a little blood in the urine and the semen can look rusty in colour. If you want to know more about the biopsy then here is a link. Nowadays it is usually transperineal but if it is transrectal then ask for antibiotics as there is a greater risk of infection.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnostic-tests/trans-perineal-biopsy

Sounds like we should keep in touch Cru08 if we’re at similar stages! Wishing you all the very best at your appointments