Panic Attacks

Jobi
Jobi Member Posts: 211
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi ladies,

My reconstruction surgery has been scheduled for August 8th.  My doctor is taking the tissue expanders out, and putting the implants in.  The expanders were not fun at all, but at least that part is over soon. 

I haven't had a panic attack in a long time. However, yesterday, after reading over the risks of leakage from the implants and the monitering that will be done, I began to feel the stress of this whole journey again.  Today, it all came to a head, and I had a really bad panic attack.  It took me by surprise because this is going to be my 5th surgery in just a year and a half.  I should be used to this by now, right? Do the questions and the wonders of "is it going to come back" or "am I doing the right thing" ever stop?

 

Dorene

 

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Comments

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #2
    Dorene ...

    Push forward ..  myself, I had 8 surgeries in 13 months --  Bilateral Sister in PINK here ...  I also suffer from Panic/Anxiety disorder and have for 20 plus years.  If need be, speak to your primary doctor and get xanax to help you thru.

    I often described my panic as ready to give up, or give into the fear.  Its like pushing a car up hill  -- hard, tuff and often frustrating.  If I look around, I soon realize that I can .. give up - however, I have to remind myself to look at the bigger picture - life and freedom from panic.

    You've thru a lot, give yourself to grieve .. knowing that there is something better waiting for you at the end of this journey.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

     

     

     

     

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418
    #3
    VickiSam said:

    Dorene ...

    Push forward ..  myself, I had 8 surgeries in 13 months --  Bilateral Sister in PINK here ...  I also suffer from Panic/Anxiety disorder and have for 20 plus years.  If need be, speak to your primary doctor and get xanax to help you thru.

    I often described my panic as ready to give up, or give into the fear.  Its like pushing a car up hill  -- hard, tuff and often frustrating.  If I look around, I soon realize that I can .. give up - however, I have to remind myself to look at the bigger picture - life and freedom from panic.

    You've thru a lot, give yourself to grieve .. knowing that there is something better waiting for you at the end of this journey.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

     

     

     

     

    My prayers are with you,

    My prayers are with you, Sweet Sister.  I have had more than a few periods when I wondered if I could make it and I'm not even as far along as you are.  I'm will soon be having my last chemo and then will start the dbl mastectomy and reconstruction process.

    I know none of this is fun and certainly not easy, but know that all this will one day be over and all your suffering will be worth it.  If the "what if's" start to get you down, watch or read a good comedy.  Do whatever it takes to get your mind elsewhere.  Just as our bodies wear down from all the treatments, so does our minds.  Give it a little vacation from reality.

    I hope this helps a bit.  At least this and prayer are what gets me to the next appt,  test, tx or surgery.

    Love and hugs.  Know you are in my prayers.  You CAN do this, you are a strong women!

    God bless,

    Sandy

  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    #4
    VickiSam said:

    Dorene ...

    Push forward ..  myself, I had 8 surgeries in 13 months --  Bilateral Sister in PINK here ...  I also suffer from Panic/Anxiety disorder and have for 20 plus years.  If need be, speak to your primary doctor and get xanax to help you thru.

    I often described my panic as ready to give up, or give into the fear.  Its like pushing a car up hill  -- hard, tuff and often frustrating.  If I look around, I soon realize that I can .. give up - however, I have to remind myself to look at the bigger picture - life and freedom from panic.

    You've thru a lot, give yourself to grieve .. knowing that there is something better waiting for you at the end of this journey.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

     

     

     

     

    Thanks

    Thanks Vicki Sam!  I took your advice about lessening the amount of fluid I received in the expanders.  I will talk to my doctor this week.

     

    Thank you.

  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    #5
    coco2008 said:

    My prayers are with you,

    My prayers are with you, Sweet Sister.  I have had more than a few periods when I wondered if I could make it and I'm not even as far along as you are.  I'm will soon be having my last chemo and then will start the dbl mastectomy and reconstruction process.

    I know none of this is fun and certainly not easy, but know that all this will one day be over and all your suffering will be worth it.  If the "what if's" start to get you down, watch or read a good comedy.  Do whatever it takes to get your mind elsewhere.  Just as our bodies wear down from all the treatments, so does our minds.  Give it a little vacation from reality.

    I hope this helps a bit.  At least this and prayer are what gets me to the next appt,  test, tx or surgery.

    Love and hugs.  Know you are in my prayers.  You CAN do this, you are a strong women!

    God bless,

    Sandy

    Thank you Sandy

    Your post does help.  Congrats on your upcoming last chemo.  When I finished mine, I had a post-chemo party and celebrate the day with an annual trip!

    You are in my prayers as well. 

     

    Dorene

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #6
    there is a way

    Having had complications, tram on left implant on right...20 surgeries in 4 yrs.

    As far as panic attacks are concerned, though I don't get them as a rule, only a few times, I drew on previous experience and got back into meditation.  Better than drugs for me as I take meds for different things.  Also I can do it anywhere any time.  Not a deep session, just enough to mellow and re-center my body and mind. it helped me through a lot of this whole thing.  Though the learning process isn't simple, I am forever grateful I had learned it long ago.

     

    All things change, nothing stays the same (per my mom, sorely missed)

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #7
    tufi000 said:

    there is a way

    Having had complications, tram on left implant on right...20 surgeries in 4 yrs.

    As far as panic attacks are concerned, though I don't get them as a rule, only a few times, I drew on previous experience and got back into meditation.  Better than drugs for me as I take meds for different things.  Also I can do it anywhere any time.  Not a deep session, just enough to mellow and re-center my body and mind. it helped me through a lot of this whole thing.  Though the learning process isn't simple, I am forever grateful I had learned it long ago.

     

    All things change, nothing stays the same (per my mom, sorely missed)

    Dorene ..

    I have the lowest possible dose of xanax - I normally take 1/2 a pill as needed.  There are times when I take a 1/2 pill once every 3 or 4 months - depending on my anxiety levels -

     

    I will be thinking, and praying for you on the 8th. 

     

    Gentle hugs,  xoxoxoxoxo

    Vicki Sam

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    #8
    VickiSam said:

    Dorene ...

    Push forward ..  myself, I had 8 surgeries in 13 months --  Bilateral Sister in PINK here ...  I also suffer from Panic/Anxiety disorder and have for 20 plus years.  If need be, speak to your primary doctor and get xanax to help you thru.

    I often described my panic as ready to give up, or give into the fear.  Its like pushing a car up hill  -- hard, tuff and often frustrating.  If I look around, I soon realize that I can .. give up - however, I have to remind myself to look at the bigger picture - life and freedom from panic.

    You've thru a lot, give yourself to grieve .. knowing that there is something better waiting for you at the end of this journey.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

     

     

     

     

    I have never had one, but, I

    I have never had one, but, I know some that have and they describe how scary they are.  I will be praying for you!

    Hugs, June

  • SusanEliz
    SusanEliz Member Posts: 50
    #9
    Hi Dorene

    I have to agree with the Xanax, talk to your docotr about it.  I only need to take it on occasion but just knowing I have it in my procketbook for emergencies seems to help me a lot.  Even a small does can stop a panic attack quickly.

    As to why you're having them, I think it's almost to be expected when going through cancer treatments and reconstruction.  Don't underestimate what this whole picture does to your psyche!

    Hope you find relief soon and your next procedure goes smoothly!

  • taylor manny
    taylor manny Member Posts: 113
    #10
    VickiSam said:

    Dorene ...

    Push forward ..  myself, I had 8 surgeries in 13 months --  Bilateral Sister in PINK here ...  I also suffer from Panic/Anxiety disorder and have for 20 plus years.  If need be, speak to your primary doctor and get xanax to help you thru.

    I often described my panic as ready to give up, or give into the fear.  Its like pushing a car up hill  -- hard, tuff and often frustrating.  If I look around, I soon realize that I can .. give up - however, I have to remind myself to look at the bigger picture - life and freedom from panic.

    You've thru a lot, give yourself to grieve .. knowing that there is something better waiting for you at the end of this journey.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

     

     

     

     

    Dorene, I think a panic

    Dorene, I think a panic attack can hit anyone at anytime.  Sometimes our minds and bodies just have enough and can't handle anymore and this can happen.  I hope you're feeling better now and let your doctor know about this.

     

  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    #11
    VickiSam said:

    Dorene ..

    I have the lowest possible dose of xanax - I normally take 1/2 a pill as needed.  There are times when I take a 1/2 pill once every 3 or 4 months - depending on my anxiety levels -

     

    I will be thinking, and praying for you on the 8th. 

     

    Gentle hugs,  xoxoxoxoxo

    Vicki Sam

    Thanks

    Thanks Vicki Sam,

    I have had a few more since the last time I was on this site.  They haven't been as bad as the original one, but they are still a pain.  I was trying to wait to see my doctor to get the script. But I am just going to call today.

     

    2 more days to surgery.

     

    Dorene

  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    #12
    SusanEliz said:

    Hi Dorene

    I have to agree with the Xanax, talk to your docotr about it.  I only need to take it on occasion but just knowing I have it in my procketbook for emergencies seems to help me a lot.  Even a small does can stop a panic attack quickly.

    As to why you're having them, I think it's almost to be expected when going through cancer treatments and reconstruction.  Don't underestimate what this whole picture does to your psyche!

    Hope you find relief soon and your next procedure goes smoothly!

    Thanks!

    Thank you Susan.  I really appreciate your insight. Thanks for letting me know this is expected.

    Dorene

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #13
    no advice..just want to let

    no advice..just want to let you know thinking of you..

    Denise

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #14
    Jobi said:

    Thanks!

    Thank you Susan.  I really appreciate your insight. Thanks for letting me know this is expected.

    Dorene

    I hope that by now Dorene

    I hope that by now Dorene that you've talked to your doctor and have gotten a prescription for an anxiety or nerve pill.  I think we all need help from time to time and it seems you do now. 

    Good luck,

    Megan

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #15
    disneyfan2008 said:

    no advice..just want to let

    no advice..just want to let you know thinking of you..

    Denise

    Doreen ...

    Thinking about you ..  hoping your anxiety and panic have subsided.

    Gentle hugs dear Sister in Pink ..

    Vicki Sam

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #16
    disneyfan2008 said:

    no advice..just want to let

    no advice..just want to let you know thinking of you..

    Denise

    Doreen ...

    Thinking about you ..  hoping your anxiety and panic have subsided.

    Gentle hugs dear Sister in Pink ..

    Vicki Sam

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #17
    disneyfan2008 said:

    no advice..just want to let

    no advice..just want to let you know thinking of you..

    Denise

    Doreen ...

    Thinking about you ..  hoping your anxiety and panic have subsided.

    Gentle hugs dear Sister in Pink ..

    Vicki Sam

  • Kobias
    Kobias Member Posts: 115
    #18
    VickiSam said:

    Doreen ...

    Thinking about you ..  hoping your anxiety and panic have subsided.

    Gentle hugs dear Sister in Pink ..

    Vicki Sam

    Hoping you find something to

    Hoping you find something to help you with these attacks.  I am so sorry that you ever had one.

    Kathy

  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    #19
    VickiSam said:

    Doreen ...

    Thinking about you ..  hoping your anxiety and panic have subsided.

    Gentle hugs dear Sister in Pink ..

    Vicki Sam

    Thanks Vicki Sam.  I have had

    Thanks Vicki Sam.  I have had fewer, but they are not gone.  Since I now have more surgery in my future due to my still very uneven and flattened right breast after reconstruction, I am still feeling the stress and anxiety attacks.  Hoping it will calm down soon.  Some days I have a good outlook and others... bleh.  Today I had to go to the post-mastectomy bra store.  Finding a bra for a person with a D cup size on the left (which shocked me) and a small B on the right was challenging to say the least (and expensive).  I though my insurance would cover it, but since I haven't met my deductible for the year which just began for my insurance, I had to write a $220 check for 4 bras!  Sorry to vent and whine but, uh...looking for a break!

  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    #20
    VickiSam said:

    Doreen ...

    Thinking about you ..  hoping your anxiety and panic have subsided.

    Gentle hugs dear Sister in Pink ..

    Vicki Sam

    Thanks Vicki Sam.  I have had

    Thanks Vicki Sam.  I have had fewer, but they are not gone.  Since I now have more surgery in my future due to my still very uneven and flattened right breast after reconstruction, I am still feeling the stress and anxiety attacks.  Hoping it will calm down soon.  Some days I have a good outlook and others... bleh.  Today I had to go to the post-mastectomy bra store.  Finding a bra for a person with a D cup size on the left (which shocked me) and a small B on the right was challenging to say the least (and expensive).  I though my insurance would cover it, but since I haven't met my deductible for the year which just began for my insurance, I had to write a $220 check for 4 bras!  Sorry to vent and whine but, uh...looking for a break!

  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    #21
    Jobi said:

    Thanks Vicki Sam.  I have had

    Thanks Vicki Sam.  I have had fewer, but they are not gone.  Since I now have more surgery in my future due to my still very uneven and flattened right breast after reconstruction, I am still feeling the stress and anxiety attacks.  Hoping it will calm down soon.  Some days I have a good outlook and others... bleh.  Today I had to go to the post-mastectomy bra store.  Finding a bra for a person with a D cup size on the left (which shocked me) and a small B on the right was challenging to say the least (and expensive).  I though my insurance would cover it, but since I haven't met my deductible for the year which just began for my insurance, I had to write a $220 check for 4 bras!  Sorry to vent and whine but, uh...looking for a break!

    Good to know they are fewer

    Good to know they are fewer Dorene and I hope eventually, they are gone forever! 

    Hugs, JJ

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