TERRIFIED of Treatment
I’m not sure I can convey in writing how terrified I am I’m not sure there is a word to describe it the worry I feel is debilitating, I already suffer from anxiety and this is just exasperating it, i ...
Forum Discussion
OK really big breath! As you suffer from anxiety, you know that worry breeds worry so time to try and notch things down a little.
First of all, you are not alone in your fear but virtually all of those who have experienced fear of treatment before you (that’s nearly all of us!) have managed through somehow. Not always elegantly, often with help, but we’ve done it.
Two, take each aspect one by one. Do you need a port, has it been recommended? If you are not worried by needles, you don’t need to have one.
Three, chemo is scary but reactions vary immensely and you don’t really know how it will affect you until after you start. For example, I only took my temperature a few times during 6 months of chemo - only when I thought I might have a temperature.
Finally, the one thing you can be most certain of is the outcome of having no treatment! The purpose of treatment is to help you get rid of cancer, everything you do is to that good outcome. It’s exasperating if no-one can clearly hear your concerns, a counsellor experienced with cancer patients may be helpful, as are many oncology nurses you will meet. Can you take someone with you next week? A hand to hold helps a lot. Take care.
First of all, you are not alone in your fear but virtually all of those who have experienced fear of treatment before you (that’s nearly all of us!) have managed through somehow. Not always elegantly, often with help, but we’ve done it.
Two, take each aspect one by one. Do you need a port, has it been recommended? If you are not worried by needles, you don’t need to have one.
Three, chemo is scary but reactions vary immensely and you don’t really know how it will affect you until after you start. For example, I only took my temperature a few times during 6 months of chemo - only when I thought I might have a temperature.
Finally, the one thing you can be most certain of is the outcome of having no treatment! The purpose of treatment is to help you get rid of cancer, everything you do is to that good outcome. It’s exasperating if no-one can clearly hear your concerns, a counsellor experienced with cancer patients may be helpful, as are many oncology nurses you will meet. Can you take someone with you next week? A hand to hold helps a lot. Take care.