I stress from one thing to the next

Oh Shorelle!  You have such a heightened awareness of your body now and your concern heads into the but, how come, am I, no, yes, what if and everything in-between! 

Agree with others it maybe an idea to get in touch with a Counsellor to help you with coping mechanisms!  Ring the Cancer helpline 131120  http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/patient-support/131120.html

Stressing is not good for your well being and you need your strength and coping mechanisms to get through each appointment, treatment, just normal every day et cetera

Take care

Hi Shorelle, what you are feeling is totally understandable and unfortunately you are not alone. Your body and mind are in survival mode and you will automatically be on alert for anything that may be a new symptom of cancer. I used to have the same fears. Oh who am I kidding, I still have the same fears, but at least now I only get them for a short while and instead of all the time I only have them occasionally.  Like Kath says they do improve. The other day I read that many women with breast cancer experience symptoms similar to those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I can totally relate to that. I have never found simply telling myself to "stop worrying" actually causes me to stop worrying. I try and use logic instead. I run a dialogue telling myself "the chances are that this 'twinge/blood test result/symptom etc' is just something harmless. I will wait for  2 weeks and if it is still there get it checked to be on the safe side. Even if it does turnout to be something, I'll get a plan to tackle it.' I guess my suggestion is that worrying is normal, allowing that worry to overwhelm us to the point where we can't function isn't normal and that's when talking about those worries with someone may be able to help. My cancer treatment centre had free psychologist appointments which were great. Hopefully you can find something similar. Big hugs to you.

I got lots of muscle spasms during chemo and a good time after across my back...boob height. Even now 12 months on it still is a problem if I'm  tense or havent stretched my back and arm muscles for a while (post surgery exercises are perfect). I assumed it was related to my reconstruction but its a combo of that, and chemo. Yes the chemo does impact on our muscles.  

Yoga or at least lots of stretching is great and it also helps to steady our worrying mind. It takes time but the worries improve. It doesn't ever go I don't  think but eventually it becomes a fleeting thought instead of a constant fear. 

Kath x

Hey @Shorelle, I think that for us all, once you have been touched by the cancer bug your mindset changes. I know that initially every twinge or ache is a worry but I've only just realised today that my left knee aches of a night time and I have just been assuming its arthritis/cold weather/Tamoxifen. Never thought about it being anything else. So I'm either really relaxed, really complacent or really stupid!!! If your worries are becoming debilitating seek some help as nonkyboy suggested, it's no fun being miserable and worried. Cancer council for help 131120 they may be able to provide easy strategies to lessen your stress. Big hug. Xx Cath

Oh @Shorelle, you poor woman. That is awful to feel like that. Are you able to chat to someone about how you're feeling? Maybe you should see if you can see a councillor or a psychologist. I find it easier to chat to people that I'm not close to as then I don't feel like I'm burdening family and friends. You can also call the cancer helpline and chat to someone. I hope you feel better soon. Sending you war,m hugs