ANXIETIES & TREATMENTS

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi Old Spice, so very happy to hear from you. Happy to hear of the very good progresses you have made ! 🙂 Here's sending you a very big hug ! 🙂

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Dear Karen,

It must be a very difficult time for you. I remember I suffered from anxiety and depression after a few courses of chemo. It was a very difficult time for me then. I send you a very big hug !

ps : Have you completed chemo, etc ?

[karen]

I suffered terrible anxiety and panic attacks after chemo number 4 xx

[oldspice60]

Hi Cecilia Rose! I did put a reply on here a week or so ago but it disappeared! I am doing ok. I get by just sticking to my ''old normal' as much as possible. As I have mentioned before I am not one for big epiphanies due to my small budget and social background. One good thing is I have cut down on alcohol from 14 units to under 10 several weeks now and hope to keep this up, despite constant clashes with my husband. I read and walk (when the weather is suitable) and I am looking into ways to get more free time possibly by working from home a couple of days a week. This is still in discussion stage as a reasonable adjustment but gives me hope that I am not doomed to the stressful 5 days a week commute until I am 67! Sending hugs Old Spice xxx💚💛🧡

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi TypicalMe,

I can understand how you feel and sending you a very big hug !

I fell into very bad depression too during chemo - it was a very difficult time for me.

I remember when I brought this up to my onco team, I was adviced to attend counselling, but sadly - I didn't do it. I wish I have been more proactive with the councelling advice, but never mind. I am now attending Talking Theraphy (to do with CBT), and I hope it will help me to handle the anxieties I feel.

Are you getting any help about how you are feeling ? I didn't realise what I had was anxieties until a few months ago. Only after then that I learn how to manage the anxieties.

[TypicalMe]

Hi everyone Thankyou for this thread i don't post here often but Delly how are you ? we've chatted before .I was diagnosed November 2016 aggressive BC 2 nodes and I still struggle with recurrence fears .I fell into really bad depression all through chemo but with support of my lovely family i muddled through somehow. The problem is it's still there constantly in my thoughts and what If s always in my mind .I smile through most of the time but I just feel worn out emotionally and angry and jealous of others.   I know this sounds horrible my husband adores me I'm very loved but I love my family so much I can't bear to think I'd ever leave them. Having a real low at the moment and just needed to get it out xx There doesn't seem an end to it.

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi Old-spice, just thought of you and hope you are coping well ? Sending you hugs also !

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi Suze, sorry it took me so long to reply. Thank you for writing and for sharing your experiences - I so very much appreciate your sharing.

I am so glad to hear that the councelling session you have attended is of help. Thank you for sharing tips from the session you have attended - they are very helpful - thank you.

I have recently attended Talking Therapy and find it to be so very helpful in facing the anxieties I face. I will in another day or 2 write more about it so I can share more about it on here.

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi Julie,

Thank you for writing. I can understand how it must be difficult to have to decide about something so important. I must be honest to inform I am not sure if I was given the choice about radiotherapy. I can't really remember. I was however adviced because of my age (as I was in my late 30s then), it is best to undergo all treatments. I think because I have no experience with cancer then, I just followed the advices given to me.

As regards to radiation, from my experience - the process itself is actually very quick. It's just a few minutes on the machine. But the traveling to the hospital (as I depended on public transportation, and it took me about 2 hours to reach the hospital each day, and 2 hours to get home) was what made me tired (I think). I started radiation not long after my last round of chemo and I was still very tired and effected by all the treatments then. I did notice my breast felt sore for a couple of months after radiation. As of today, the skin colour of my breast that was radiated is darker in colour and I notice some parts of my breast tissue is harder. I also notice no hair growth in my armpit from the radiated side of my breast.

I found this page for you - I hope it will provide you with better information.

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-breast-ca...

[delly]

Hi Ladies

Please forgive me for butting in, but after reading through this thread, I just wanted to give a quick message to oldspice.

Oldspice - Hi again. One thing that hit me from your first post on this thread, is that you describe yourself as a "four and a half year" and then use the word "survivor". I don't think you're realising the POSITIVITY of that word S U R V I V O R!!

I really hope you all find some help with your anxieties.

If it's of any value, I'm a 12 year "survivor". I stopped worrying about it coming back after about 5 yrs, but am vigilant about anything strange, health wise, cropping up. I just get it checked out straight away, so I can then get back to not worrying again.

Lots of love to everyone  

Dellywelly xxxxxx

[julie-pt]

Hi having to decide whether or not to do the 15 rads.   Mine was similar to yours and caught very early.   After WLE they told me risk of recurrance without the rads 1%, with the rads 0.5% so benefit really small and up to me whether I have it or not..... did you get given a choice?  Finding it very hard to make a decision........any advice would  be welcome and how was your rad experience during and also long term?

[Suze1962]

Hi, i to have had anxiety since finishing treatment in March 2018, i had a lumpectomy then cancer found in 2 out of 3 lymph nodes taken so had them all removed followed by chemo and radiotherapy. My mum died 4 yrs ago from secondary breast cancer. As 2018 has gone on I have become full of anxiety, worry at every pain i have, cannot sleep as i spend most of the night going through scenarios of what if's. I felt i was making myself mentally ill. In the middle of December a lady from the support group i attend said why didn't i contact Macmillan and have some counselling. Today i went for an assessment and I just talked and talked about myself and the way mum died (was not happy with hospital and care/treatment) She said something interesting she said i was a planner and i had to agree if we go away sightseeing every day is planned, tours booked, daily itinerary compiled etc etc.  I am known as the itinerary lady amongst friends and family and quite often my itineraries are borrowed, it has become a real joke. Also in life general i am always thinking ahead whether at work or in my personal life. If you look at my phone calendar you would  think i never had a minute to spare to get anxious. She said the cancer came and was out of my control and no planning could predict it and now i have got myself in a state where i cannot predict my future but am predicting my demise even tho there is no way i can do that. Mum had 10 years between primary and secondary so i now think i have the same time left, again how do i know!!!

I have only had one session but 2 things she suggested until we meet again

1 - My mums death traumatised me she said go and get loads of photos with mum in when we had happy times and concentrate on them rather than her death and talk about those times

2 - Set aside a time during the day when i write down any thoughts and worries i have had that day when i had thoughts of cancer or it returning. When you go to bed if a thought comes in my mind i say "Thank you for that thought, tomorrow i will write it down"

It may or may not help but its a start, i am hoping for more coping strategies. I have to say i felt so much better talking to her today.I hope this helps

[oldspice60]

Hi again Cecilia Rose. I wish you a Happy New year for 2019 too 🎉❤️ I will find out more about what is on offer regards counselling and if there is anything I feel would be beneficial I will seek advice from GP. In meantime I am happy to settle for a relaxing detox massage on 11th Jan 😌. I do think we are under pressure to do everything to 'stay alive' and it becomes an obsession. I used to have the same mindset about wanting to look younger when I was in my 30s/40s in order to wear fashionable clothes and attract a man but it was soooo stressful! I now have a much more laid back outlook on this and I guess I should feel the same about my health too. I can only do what is realistic for my income and fits in with my routine and should be happy with that, not fret that I can't do something out of my reach. Sending hugs xxx

[Poppy3]

Hi Ann,

It was the link for your talking therapy sessions.

https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/search

I thought keeping a diary would perhaps help to recognise if there are any patterns to how we are feeling.

Lots of love..xxx

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Dear OldSpice,

Thank you so very much for writing back. I am so very sorry that you don't have the services in Wales. I am not sure to compare the services you have received as I have not been to one myself. Probably you can see your GP to request for assistance on this regard ? I am hoping there is a support group I can attend, but sadly can't seem to find one for anxiety. Never mind. I will take one day at a time, and one thing at a time.

You have sounded so much better, OldSpice ! 🙂 I am so very happy to 'hear' (read of course!) you are feeling better, and have managed to manage the difficult feelings you had. Your sharing is very helpful, thank you. Just so glad you are feeling much better ! 🙂

I send you a hug, and wishing you a very Happy and Blessed New Year 2019 ! 🙂

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi Di, thank you for kind advices. And wishing you a very Happy and Blessed New Year ! 🙂

There is no link from your message - could you provide the link again please ? 🙂 Ann xxx

[oldspice60]

Hi Cecilia-Rose. I looked on the link you provided but unfortunately this is only for NHS England and I live in Wales. I searched the NHS Wales site but sadly they do not offer this therapy in my health board area. The CBT I received was in 2011 I had to wait over a year for this from referral and had 4 sessions with this very Bohemian counsellor who I found a bit judgemental TBH. However the one good thing which came out of it was that I was referred for my Aspergers assessment and I was formally diagnosed in 2013. After my BC diagnosis and treatment I received several CBT sessions with a psychotherapist at Velindre Cancer centre in Cardiff. These were supposed to be specific​ to people with Aspergers but again I didn't find them all that helpful and I ended up using my own coping mechanisms to get back into work life and come to terms with my situation. It has been a struggle and some days are better than others. This Winter has been harder than before for some reason. I was really in a bad place just before Christmas but I have since had chance to step back and take stock of things by writing down what really affects me and ways of hopefully improving my life. One of these surprisingly has been to try and stop fearing the consequence of having a few drinks on the weekend or eating the wrong food sometimes even after ER+ BC. I think that forsaking all what I used to enjoy before BC pooped on my party would only make me very miserable indeed. So by rejecting the concept of cancer ruling my life makes me feel a lot better as the pressure to do everything right is off and I no longer feel as if I am 'failing' to be a model cancer survivor

[Poppy3]

Hello ladies. I just wanted to mention. On the link below you will find a wellbeing app to download. You can track how you feel and why, also has some helpful hints for when you are anxious, stressed or depressed. I thought this might help to recognise what triggers these feelings so giving it a go. Really helpful thank you. Di.. xxx

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi Oldspice60, I think it is understandable - the anxieties and fears you have. Mind you, I have such fears as well. And what's terrible is - I also feel anxious about other things in life also - it's as if they don't stop. So with the Aspergers syndrome you have, the anxieties you have must be so much more difficult to bear. I am so sorry things are very difficult for you ..

I have just received a phone call from the organization I signed up with. I will be attending my therapy early January and I am so much looking forward to it. You can check on this website to see if the service is offered near you. I do sincerely hope they offer some services near you.

https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/search

Seeing your GP is also a good idea. It is my GP that actually gave me some leaflets about Talking Therapy - leading me to sign up for it.

You have mentioned the councelling you went to (CBT) didn't help much. How was it carried out ? Just curious to know as I think I may consider councelling as well.

[oldspice60]

Thanks for your comments. In answer to your question Cecilia-Rose I am 4 and a half years out from diagnosis (v low grade stage 1 idc). I still had quite invasive treatment: WLE and rads x 15. I was told prognosis was good but I still see stories from ladies who had exact same as me when it has come back and sometimes worse than first time. As I have Aspergers syndrome I am naturally anxious but things don't seem to be getting any better over time and in fact I see every obstacle or problem in life as a threat to my health. The talking therapy sounds interesting but I don't know if it is offered in my NHS region (South Wales). Maybe I should make an appointment with my GP about this. I have had counseling (CBT) but it did not help much. Sending hugs to you and Jill xxx

[Jill1998]

Oldspice sorry to hear you are suffering -it is frustrating to find out that a lot of things that would possibly help with anxiety/ depression are not ok after hormone positive breast cancer/ with hormone meds .There are some anti - depressants that are compatible with Tamoxifen so may be worth discussing with your GP .

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi, thank you so much for writing - I so very much appreciate your sharing. I am very very sorry to hear of all the trials and tribulations you are facing. It must be very difficult for you.

How long have you been a survivor ? You have sounded so very low - have you tried councelling ? I do hope there are some other things you can do to help with the difficulties you are in ..

I have signed up for Talking Therapy and I am so much looking forward to my first session. I have heard so much about this therapy, I hope it will help me. In the meantime, I think I must remember to stay positive (I must be honest to say it is not easy as I always forget especially very recently). I must remember to take one day at a time.

I send you a very big hug ! And I pray and hope that things are better for you..

[oldspice60]

Hi. It may be slightly off topic but I suffer with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). The severity of it varies year to year but for some reason I am really suffering badly this winter. I just can't shake off the pessimistic low mood. In the past when I had a bad spell I used to try focussing on the future, but now I am a BC survivor I feel this is futile and there is nothing to look forward to. I feel as if death is the only thing round the corner, like a ship in the mist on the horizon coming closer into focus. Things are getting real bad and I dread the challenge ahead with the long dark days of January and Blue Monday. In the past before BC I went to my GP and occupational health at work and was prescribed antidepressants or St John's wort but this is no longer possible being on Tamoxifen as they can compromise it's effectiveness. I have heard light boxes can help but they are very expensive and buying one would take a sizeable chunk of my modest disposable income. There are cheaper ones on Amazon but for ethical reasons I don't shop on there.It is frustrating and I feel as though I have exhausted all options!

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Many many thanks for kind advice, Jill. I will definately Ask the Nurse. Thank you so very much again ! 🙂 xx

[Jill1998]

https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Ask-Our-Nurses/ct-p/Asknurses/interaction-style/forum

[Jill1998]

I think there are some anti- depresssants you shouldn't take with Tamoxifen but I think Letrozole is ok - you could check this in the Ask the Nurses section ?

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Thank you, Jill.

I met up with my GP and was prescribed with Sertraline. I wonder if anyone on here have any experience with Sertraline ? I think my constrain is if medicines as such may cause cancer or effect the medicines I am currently taking ?

[Jill1998]

Hi - I've had terrible anxiety too -it's horrible I know - really spoils your life .I found CBT therapy really helped me ,also acupuncture and magnesium oil helped too .I also found that keeping cool helped when anxiety was really bad - heat seemed to make things worse . Hormones /lack of them can have a significant effect on your mood .Hope you feel better soon.

[Cecilia-Rose-Ann]

Hi, I have been having anxieties for about 2 years now. Last year, it was terrible. Although this year is a better year, it is still not going away. It effects me and I feel when the anxieties arrive, it's difficult to have quality in my days. I think I have come to a point where I have tried my best to handle the anxieties wihtout having help. And I thought there is nothing to be shy about getting help.

I have signed up for talking therapy and will be contacted in 28 days for my appointment. I will be seeing my gp on Christmas eve to discuss medications.

I had HER2+, ER+ and PR+ breast cancer over 5 years ago, and am currently taking Letrezole, Losartan (for highblood pressure) and Calcium + Vitamin D medications.

Anyone are able to share their experiences on this regard ? Any sharing / infos / etc will be utmostly appreciated.

Thank you.