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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. 

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  • 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
  • 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