ANXIETY!

I’ve just recently been initially diagnosed with DCIS but this will possibly be upgraded to invasive, they are doing further testing on the biopsy. And my anxiety is through the roof, I have so many physical symptoms - heart palpitations, tight chest, pains all over, difficulty breathing, can’t eat and not sleeping well. All these symptoms are making me think that cancer has spread everywhere. What can I do? I have 2 young kids and can’t function. Does anyone have any coping strategies? 

Parents
  • So sorry to hear what you are going through, especially with young children. I also kept feeling other symptoms and thinking cancer had spread. I'm sure it was just anxiety, as all calmed down after ct scan results came back OK. Unfortunately there is a lot of waiting while tests are carried out, before treatment starts. I was diagnosed on 18th January and waiting to start chemo in the next couple of weeks. I wish you well moving forward and hope you don't have to wait too long for your results. Xx

  • Thanks Pippin24, I know logically they are most likely due to anxiety but it just all gets on top of me several times a day and I feel so panicked.
    I hope u get a start date soon, all the best x

  • Oh bless you, I really feel for you. I found wait for biopsy results before diagnosis was so stressful. Also waiting for ct scan was a struggle. I found the breast care nurses were so supportive, so would suggest you contact them about your worries. I was told I'd have to wait 2 weeks for biopsy results, but they actually came back within a week. Hopefully yours won't take too long. I have also had sleep issues along the way, but this has improved. . I've also imagined myself dead and buried a good few times, I'm hoping once treatment starts these feelings will pass and I'll be more positive about the future. Just remember you're not alone and many people have the same feelings that you're having. Always here to chat if you need to. Xx

  • Thank u, I didn’t think my breast care nurse would be available at the weekend. My husband will be working tomorrow and I don’t know how I’m going to look after the kids x

  • Hi Em,

    I am sorry to hear that you are struggling so much today. Waiting for results is always stressful, but especially so when you have to wait for further clarification on them. I am sure that you have coped well with the children today, despite how you feel - we do it because we have to. Somehow or other, we find hidden strengths, when our backs are up against the wall. Lack of sleep is an issue - we nearly all find this and it can make it difficult for us to function from day to day.

    This wait is one of the scariest times of anyone's cancer journey. Try to keep yourself busy, whether with work or pleasure - anything to take your mind off the wait. This shouldn't be difficult with 2 little ones! We usually advise people at this stage to stay away from Google. Much of the information there is aimed at the more spectacular cases, is out of date and can be poorly researched. All of these factors don't apply to you, don't give you any answers and will only serve to scare you further. 

    Your breast care nurse can be a great support, but as far as I know, they are only available Monday - Friday.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Pippin,

    I am delighted to see that you finally have a start date for chemo - this must be a big relief for you. Any news about a port fitting yet?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank u jolamine for your kind words. Do u really think it is possible that these symptoms are all from the anxiety? I feel so unwell.. x

  • Hi Jolamine, unfortunately nothing has been mentioned about a port, so I assume it will just be a canula on the day. I really don't want a picc line. I have been told my pre chemo consultation is by phone next Saturday, which I'm not too happy about. My phone reception isn't great, plus I'd like my husband to be included. I'm going to contact macmillan nurse tomorrow to see if they can help sort it out. I was told they don't do face to face appointments on a Saturday, so wonder if they could do a different day. Xx

  • To be honest I'm not sure if breast care nurses are available at the weekend, but you could try tomorrow. You might find the children will help keep you distracted. I've spent the last couple of days spring cleaning, doing all the stuff I might not feel like doing over the next few weeks. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Xx

  • Hi Em,

    A lot of us get all sorts of symptoms, as soon as we start down this road, but amazingly, most disappear, once we know what we're dealing with. Anxiety can lead to a lot of additional problems, so here's hoping that this is the cause.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Pippin,

    Mention the port again when you have your appointment, as there will still be time to have it fitted before 4th.  It may just have been overlooked. I can understand that you would rather have a face-to-face appointment for your pre-chemo consultation. If you can't get this changed, could your hubby be with you for the phone call? 

    I hope that you can get this sorted tomorrow.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thanks Jolamine for all your support, will let you know how it goes. Xx

Reply Children
No Data