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CatNev's avatar
CatNev
Member
9 years ago

Anxiety

Hi

I am a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient as of mid november.  I had a left mastectomy and lymph nodes removed the day after my 60th birthday 🙁 in december.   Aggressive Stage 2 1/2.  I was so positive that I could handle it, and life would continue as normal after treatment.   My first mistake.  My first chemo was last wednesday, which went good, but 4 hours later I was on the lounge and beside myself.  I remember saying I don't think I can do this.  This happened so quickly.  Found out later that I was having an anxiety attack.  I have never had one before and it was terrifying.  After trip to ED and to doctors was put on Lorazipam, which has been a godsend, as had the first night sleep in nearly 5 days.  Am now on the good side of chemo, having counselling asked everyone and anyone for help at the time, but how do I control this anxiety/panic that keeps building up without having to resort to drugs.  I am trying meditation, exercise, deep breathing, peppermint tea.  My husband was been fantastic but he cant stay home all day to make sure I am ok.  During the day if i have something to do it is ok, but the nights just seem so long.  I have a long journey ahead of me, a journey I cant get off of til the end.  I appreciated any advice. 

  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Catnev Im sorry to hear of your journey this far!!! Awful!!! it is hard, no two ways about it, its overwhelming and shocking. Nothing you do prepares you for it all, sounds like the anxiety attack was you on overload, and completely understandable. Have you thought of getting some counseling specifically for this?? I'd touch base with your Breast Care Nurse, they'd be able to recommend someone. Loved ones are great, but they dont understand the depths of it all. You can also come here, we are all a very supportive group and full of information and experiences that can help. You can even just vent!!!! because we get it!!! I did 4.5 months of Chemo and am 1yr post now. I was very ill through the whole thing. I learnt to do a day only at a time, not look at the big picture. Exercise is ok, as long as you dont push yourself, as your body needs time to heal. Think about the things that bring you joy, the little things, try and get distracted it will help. I also did a rehab course through the Epworth and it had a team of specialists, was brilliant! Theres alot of support out there, and sounds like what you need right now! Hugs Melinda xo 
  • CatNev's avatar
    CatNev
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thankyou.  Yes I did see a breast care counsellor, she was very good, but still struggling with controlling my anxiety at night.  Think this might be a time factor thing.  (i hope)  Thankyou for your support. xx
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    Contact either your cancer care team and ask for a counsellor session, or your breast care nurse or you can can present at any major hospital primary health department (or phone them) and they will triage you and can provide you with some support. You are doing a lot of great things already but yes its such a hard journey. My sister came over every day and we just watched TV or went for coffee.  I really needed that daily support. So ask for that help from friends and family. Open up to them how hard it is and you really just need regular company to keep those dark thoughts away.

    The cancer council offer also on call counseling services. Talk to your GP. You may need assistance with an antidepressant that has an anti anxiety component, but that does take a couple of weeks to kick in if started.

    I recall being really frightened after my first chemo. My husband came during treatment in the morning but then went to work. My sister stayed until 5. And on all days my husband worked OT...by 7 I called him in panic, i felt totally weird and terrified if something happened who would help me. Round 2 was better but I had other drugs on board to assist with side effects and by Round 4 I was good.. ..finished then and on to another. We are also given steroids with treatment which can heighten anxiety.

    There is no shame in feeling scared and needing to ask for help. No one but a fellow bc sister / brother can really appreciate the fear that is with us especially at night. The time we worry about the what ifs.

    But know this. It does get better. You will get through and you will draw on strength you never knew you had. And we are here to listen when you need.

    Take Care. Kath x
  • Lmc1310's avatar
    Lmc1310
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Carmen, I was diagnosed around same time and surgery and 1/16 chemo over. I have downloaded an app for anxiety (it uses hypnosis and cost $4.99). It has helped incredibly. But may be just a personal thing. Reading messages on this site of support and hope have also helped. I also talk to the red chemo and thank it for helping me - funny hey! My very best wishes and hugs. 
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Catnev, I, like Lmc1310, also downloaded an app for my phone to try and help me sleep but mine is rain sounds as I find them very relaxing. You could also try doing some yoga as I was recommended to do many years ago to stop stress - I was internalising stress to the extent I would vomit. Dr recommended yoga - I did it and I have never vomited from stress or anxiety again. It incorporates breathing exercises and using tension and release of muscles to help calm and relax you amongst other exercises. Very beneficial. Hope you find something that helps. Xx Cath