LAST CHEMO TREATMENT ANIXETY (New to Site)
Lisa (NinnieD)
Comments
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I felt much the same way...(
I felt much the same way...( if I understand what you are anxious about!) Even though 6 weeks after finishing chemo I was starting radiation, and as much as I really didn't like chemo~ I was over the top anxious to stop chemo! Why? Because I felt I was now on a high-wire without a safety net! What was going to keep the cancer from coming back instantly if I wasn't having the Big Guns, namely chemo keeping it at bay????
For the record, that was in 2003....and I'm still posting here on the boards! :-)
Cancer may be what we have, but it is NOT who we are~ it doesn't define you, Lisa. As you can see from the women here~ we have ups and downs and anxieties and we also have great triumphs and celebrations! We know each others' birthdays, anniversaries, we get together for lunches and are closer than many family members. Welcome to the club you didn't ever want to join~ we welcome you with open hearts!
Hugs,
Chen♥0 -
Lisa,chenheart said:I felt much the same way...(
I felt much the same way...( if I understand what you are anxious about!) Even though 6 weeks after finishing chemo I was starting radiation, and as much as I really didn't like chemo~ I was over the top anxious to stop chemo! Why? Because I felt I was now on a high-wire without a safety net! What was going to keep the cancer from coming back instantly if I wasn't having the Big Guns, namely chemo keeping it at bay????
For the record, that was in 2003....and I'm still posting here on the boards! :-)
Cancer may be what we have, but it is NOT who we are~ it doesn't define you, Lisa. As you can see from the women here~ we have ups and downs and anxieties and we also have great triumphs and celebrations! We know each others' birthdays, anniversaries, we get together for lunches and are closer than many family members. Welcome to the club you didn't ever want to join~ we welcome you with open hearts!
Hugs,
Chen♥
You are experiencing one of many emotions that we all go through. Anxiety is of the hardest to keep in check. Don't be afraid if you are having trouble to seek medical intervention. There are many pink warriors on this board that are taking medication to help them cope through their own personal journeys. I am sure your doctors have the best course of treatment all plotted out for you, what's next for you after chemo? I like Chen am doing radiation at the moment and these girls on the board are best example that life does go on after diagnosis. Keep posting your thoughts and concerns its very rewarding hearing from the girls.
Hugs,
Lorrie0 -
Help with anxiety
Hi Lisa. First of all, welcome...
Regarding the anxiety, I have suffered with it for years, and then I got cancer - twice.
Anyway, the best thing you can do for yourself is to start to use some relaxation techniques. I know of quite a few.
1. Deep breathing. Lie down, put your hand on your stomach and breath so that you can feel your hand move up and down...do this 10 times. This will immediately calm you by giving more oxygen to your brain. You can do this sitting up once you get used to how to do it, but be careful as you can get dizzy, etc until you are used to it. (which is why you start to do it lying down...:))
2. Anxiety mostly happens at night...you feel something is sitting on your chest and you can't breathe...yup been there...this exercise is helpful...start with your feet and tense them, then your calves, thighs, but, stomach, chest, arms, head...hold it for a minute, then starting at the head, relax...then go slowly back to your feet...
This is a really good way to get to sleep any night...whenever I have trouble this works for me.
Also, dicide on a manta...make it in the current tense...something like "I am winning" - post it on your bathroom mirror and say it morning noon and night.
Always remember that axiety is abnormal fear...so example is...I'm late for work by 5 minutes...I'm going to be fired...loose my house and have to live on the street. Since most people are not usually fired for being 5 minutes late, this is an unrealistic fear, thus anxiety.
What we are dealing with is different...it's realist fear and that makes it tougher...just know that we are all going to fight this disease and everyday we are here typing is a day that we have won.
Best of luck getting through your last chemo...we are all with you!!
S730 -
Hi Lisa
I am sorry you are going through anxiety. We all do. The way I handle it is by praying. We all pray differently. But when I talk to God (in the name of his son, always), I am very specific. For example, I told him "Hey dad, I can't take this cross on my own. Please help me take some weight off of me. It's too much for me to handle and I need your help. Please take my anxiety away too. I have faith in you, because as your word says, we are cured because of the blood of your son who gave his life for us".
Honestly, I couldn't do this alone. Not even with the people around me! Many say "you are not alone. We are with you". Yes, it is true. But also, at some level with are physically alone. And this is the part when we need to be strong and have faith that we will be ok no matter what. Is it hard? Of course! This is when we ask God for help. (And always thank him for all he has given to you).
I pray you will overcome all your fears. And you will, in time. From what I have read about many of our pink sisters, it's a process, but you'll get there.
I also try to see the positive on things. This is your last treatment! This is GREAT news to me. Your body will handle it well too, and you will be (and do) OK.
We are here if you ever need support. The ladies here are wonderful. They have helped me in many ways.
God bless you. Always think positive, no matter what they say or what you see. Miracles happen.0 -
I began on the cancer
I began on the cancer journey in 2007. Major anxiety hit me AFTER treatment was complete although I began feeling twinges of it during radiation. A combination of medication, counseling, yoga, meditation, and time have all helped me. Let your oncology folks know how you are feeling; they can help. xoxoxoxo Lynn0 -
First of all,
First of all, congratulations on getting to this milestone!
You've already taken the first step toward getting rid of that anxiety by coming here. This is a great place to get support and advice, and to get reminders that you are normal. I had 6 rounds of TAC and the anxiety was different with each treatment, but definitely more with the last one. I think because now I had to move on to the next unknown part of my treatment.
What does your cancer center have in place for support? Groups or counselors? Have you talked with your onc about the anxiety? My onc prescribed ativan to help deal with it, and it worked really well for me.
I hope you get some relief...and good luck with that last treatment.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
First of all,
First of all, congratulations on getting to this milestone!
You've already taken the first step toward getting rid of that anxiety by coming here. This is a great place to get support and advice, and to get reminders that you are normal. I had 6 rounds of TAC and the anxiety was different with each treatment, but definitely more with the last one. I think because now I had to move on to the next unknown part of my treatment. But I was also really excited to get to the end.
What does your cancer center have in place for support? Groups or counselors? Have you talked with your onc about the anxiety? My onc prescribed ativan to help deal with it, and it worked really well for me.
I hope you get some relief...and good luck with that last treatment.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Welcome Lisa!
Hi Lisa
I had 8 chemo treatments and finished my last one June 7th. I was excited to be done yet fearful of whats next? I got anxiety each time I started a new phase of treatment then once I was resolved to the ideal of it I was fine. I almost have a week of radiation under my belt now & at first I was terrified. Reading the posts every day and voicing my fears helped me not to be afraid of "The Unknown" These ladies have all been through most of the same things and are a God send. When I was first diagnosed & times were at their toughest I prayed....Sometimes my head was so full, I couldn't even finish my prayer & I'd start over..final thoughts were, God knew what was on my heart & I had to know he was bigger than I and I had to just Let go & let God! I pray that this is the end to your treatment & that you are healed. If theirs another phase for you then you can handle that as well. Chemo was tolerable for me, Not completely easy but doable & I think you've really gotten over a big milestone in starting to heal and get back to a normal life!
Big Hugs
Renee0 -
You are definitely not a
You are definitely not a Ninnie... I often relate this dx to the stages of grief. I think we all go through that, and I find it impossible to be positive and unbeat all the time. My oncologist told me that many people feel depressed when they finish treatment. Let out the negative and then find all the positive things you can do to occupy your thoughts...at least that's what I try to do.
Judy0 -
anxiety has been coming and goingpoplolly said:You are definitely not a
You are definitely not a Ninnie... I often relate this dx to the stages of grief. I think we all go through that, and I find it impossible to be positive and unbeat all the time. My oncologist told me that many people feel depressed when they finish treatment. Let out the negative and then find all the positive things you can do to occupy your thoughts...at least that's what I try to do.
Judy
for me, too. I finished my chemo June 3 and since then have been having a real increase in anxiety. I think it's because I'm in a waiting phase, my surgery is scheduled for July 7 and until then there is nothing to do but...wait! It's a long journey with a lot of ups and downs; whatever emotion you are feeling I am sure that so many of us can relate!
Laura0 -
I just wanted toSurvivor73 said:Help with anxiety
Hi Lisa. First of all, welcome...
Regarding the anxiety, I have suffered with it for years, and then I got cancer - twice.
Anyway, the best thing you can do for yourself is to start to use some relaxation techniques. I know of quite a few.
1. Deep breathing. Lie down, put your hand on your stomach and breath so that you can feel your hand move up and down...do this 10 times. This will immediately calm you by giving more oxygen to your brain. You can do this sitting up once you get used to how to do it, but be careful as you can get dizzy, etc until you are used to it. (which is why you start to do it lying down...:))
2. Anxiety mostly happens at night...you feel something is sitting on your chest and you can't breathe...yup been there...this exercise is helpful...start with your feet and tense them, then your calves, thighs, but, stomach, chest, arms, head...hold it for a minute, then starting at the head, relax...then go slowly back to your feet...
This is a really good way to get to sleep any night...whenever I have trouble this works for me.
Also, dicide on a manta...make it in the current tense...something like "I am winning" - post it on your bathroom mirror and say it morning noon and night.
Always remember that axiety is abnormal fear...so example is...I'm late for work by 5 minutes...I'm going to be fired...loose my house and have to live on the street. Since most people are not usually fired for being 5 minutes late, this is an unrealistic fear, thus anxiety.
What we are dealing with is different...it's realist fear and that makes it tougher...just know that we are all going to fight this disease and everyday we are here typing is a day that we have won.
Best of luck getting through your last chemo...we are all with you!!
S73
I just wanted to congratulate you Lisa on finishing chemo! Huge milestone!
Hugs, Angie0
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