Anxiety

LindaH Tue, 31/07/2018 - 13:41

Hi l was diagnosed with breast cancer in may 2017.After a lumpectomy and 15 days of radiotherapy l thought it would all be over l don't think so!! I am on letrozole for a minimum of 5 years which causes many problems but l feel as if cancer has taken over my life.l was rushed into hospital back in April with a suspected stroke but after every scan known to man l was told that I was stressed. Have been on sertraline for 3 months and feel much calmer but still find every day l think of what cancer has done to me

laura Tue, 31/07/2018 - 14:58

I had a similar experience Linda - was rushed into hospital with breathing issues after treatment and they put it down to a panic attack in the end! Hope the sertraline continues to help. I've found things get a lot easier after the 2/3 year mark, but in the meantime, it doesn't help does it!

LindaH Tue, 31/07/2018 - 16:18

Thanks for that but l really don't want to take antidepressants for too long but I don't want to end up as stressed as a was back in April.Why is life such a bitch!!

laura Tue, 31/07/2018 - 17:59

I guess you don't want to be on them forever, but I wouldn't beat yourself up about taking them for now, particularly in the first two years! I know so many people that take them, so please don't think you're failing because you're relying on them!

LindaH Tue, 31/07/2018 - 18:26

Thanks for that l think you are right l will stay on them for a few more months at least why l feel guilty l don't know that's what they are there for

chrismc Wed, 01/08/2018 - 09:05

After having breast cancer with a good prognosis I suffered severe anxiety. I was consumed with thoughts of the cancer returning and dying. These thoughts resulted in me developing IBS. I personally did not want to go down the road of medication. My doctor recommended a course of Cognative Behavourial Theraphy and Mindfulness. Although negative thoughts do still return I find Mindfulness really helpful and would highly recommend it. I am now seven years post surgery

colonel Wed, 01/08/2018 - 09:55

Reading the comments, I'll point out that blokes get cancer too and have problems. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and, whilst waiting to see the consultant, my wife said to me "I've found a lump!". That was it, both on cancer treatment at the same time. I had little of radiotherapy followed by three years of hormone treatment. The hormone treatment meant, effectively, three years of menopause symptoms, sweats, moods, fatigue, the lot!

Val had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Eventually, scans showed her breast clear and we were happy. Alas, a few weeks later came the discovery that it had metastasized onto her liver. Alas, after more treatment, that was it. Following the above, I have a dread of my cancer returning as well.

LindaH Wed, 01/08/2018 - 10:07

I am really sorry to hear that you and your wife are going through it l was told early this year that l could have secondary breast cancer in my bones thank goodness the tests were negative. No wonder it all causes so much stress it feels like it never leaves you and l know that it will get me in the end.We must all try to be upbeat but as you know that is difficult at times