Every few months I have a meltdown: 2.5 years after finishing treatment for TNBC I still have pain in my left breast that comes and goes, and sometimes it’s pretty unpleasant - and when that happens, I panic, start checking frantically for changes, and eventually contact my BCN (doing that on Monday!). It’s an exhausting cycle and I despair of it never ending. I just want someone to tell me that the cancer is never coming back - of course that’s not going to happen - and it makes me so sad to know that this fear will always be part of my life. Sometimes I go for weeks without worrying too much and over time, hopefully those periods will get longer, but when I can’t resist that downward spiral, it’s not good.
Anyone else out there who goes through something similar? Any solutions/advice?
I don’t know what the answer is either. I’m around the same time post diagnosis as you are. I’m more a quiet worrier, I don’t have meltdowns, but night time is my worry time, although it’s not out of control. Other times, like you, I don’t think too much about recurrences. I remind myself that most breast cancers don’t come back and try not to let my fears run away with me. I’d like someone to tell me the cancer is never coming back, as well.
Hope someone else can help you more than I can - but thinking of you as it sounds very distressing.
Anxiety is absolutely normal cancer is not an easy diagnosis to come to terms with - no matter how long ago you were diagnosed.
My cancer was only diagnosed last June - all my treatment is over (for now) but yes, I still reflect back and think of that time.
I also suffer from MH problems and there are times (lots of them) when I go through meltdowns I have reached the stage when I recognise them coming on (there was a time I would try and fight them) but that made me even more stressed/upset I decided not to fight them so I found my own ways of getting through those times (for my own safety more than anything else) for me it all about totally switching off. I write poetry, I craft, watch crappy TV, go to bed, go on the internet looking at all the things I like which give me pleasure, play music, go a walk basically anything that absorbs my negative thoughts. I was taught a technique when I went for counselling it’s called _mindfulness. Y_ou play a CD can be birds singing, a gentle waterfall (tapes like these can be found on Amazon or search the internet. Once the tape is playing sit in a comfortable chair. feet on the floor, close your eyes breathe slowly and deeply and totally emerge yourself in the sounds imagine yourself in that place it takes a little practise but honestly it works wonders, it’s like a gentle form of meditation.
Hope some of my ramblings are of help.
Lots of HUGE hugs
Poppy the cats and a bag of wine gums xx
Dealing with anxiety can be tough, but having helpful strategies makes it easier.
I follow my Routines and techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing help me feel more in control when things get tough.
I have discovered Hampton Adams cold packs and heat packs that can help soothe tense muscles when anxiety rises. Heat therapy, like a warm bath or heating pad, helps me relax at the end of the day.
But, What therapy works for anxiety can be different for everyone. It’s all about finding what suits you. Don’t hesitate to seek support, whether from a therapist, support group, or a trusted friend. You’re not alone, and there are many ways to manage anxiety step by step.
So pleased you have come to the forum, we are all here for you. This could be me writing this post, this dreaded cancer never seems to leave us. The worry continues for most people, pain and discomfort is always there from time to time. I have been reassured that I’m fine and not to worry easier said than done.
I feel taking a day at a time, keeping busy always helps. I’m almost 5 years down the line with my second cancer and I have to say it does get easier. Fingers crossed this will happen with you
Take good care, as I said one day at a time and take comfort from that very special friend. We all have one who understands.
Wishing you health and happiness going forward with the biggest hug keep posting letting us know how you’re doing.
