Always Worried

preschool842002

When my daughter was first dx with bc at 32 I thought she would have surgery and treatment and that would be the end of the cancer. The docs all said her prognoisis was good.Stage 2a with only involment in 2 sentinal nodes..Two years later at 34 she was dx with a local recurrance. More surgery,more treatment.We were shocked! Again the docs all reassured us that her prognosis and stage were all still the same.She has gone back for her checkups regularly and continued with her Aramidix (spelling ?) So far all is fine. So what's the problem you ask? The problem is that we are" waiting for the other shoe to fall". Every ache ,pain ,twinge etc sends our family into anxiety. It is never far from our mind.She lives with my husband and me along with her eight year old son.Lately she has complained of  mild headaches that come and go. So last week when we went for her check up the onc suggested an MRI to put our minds at rest. He does not think there is anything there. More anxiety.! She had the MRI this morning I read the posts on this site and YSC all the time. I have gotten so much encouragement and information. My daughter hasn't gone on the boards but wants me to give her any information. So the boards have been good. On the other hand I read so much about people that have mets and that it has even come back years later. I am scared for my daughter.I guess what I am looking for is some coping suggestions.If anyone would be willing to share their experience,strength and hope it would be wonderful. Thank you for always being here .

angsmom

Preschool842002 my daughter was diagnosed last July when she was 33 years old.  She has stage 3c with node involvement and is HER2+++.  My daughter posts on this board and it has been a very positive experience for her.

This has turned our world upside down.  I have said the same thing that you did, we constantly wait for the other shoe to drop, every tiny symptom becomes a major event and worry.  We have been through many of the same things.  My daughter had pains in her side and had a scan, it was clear.  Then she started having headaches a few weeks ago and had an MRI which was also clear.  The anxiety is a constant part of our lives right now.  I think this is part of the cycle for everyone - its new and frightning. 

My sister was diagnosed with colon cancer 5 years ago and the emotions and stresses were the same.  She was on a study and had scans every 3 months, with each clear scan the level of stress became less and she is going for her 5 year check up at the end of the month.

 I wish I could say that I am coping well, but the truth is I have good days and just as many bad days because I too, am terrified for my daughter. 

Starting this month I am planning to attend a support group with others in similar situations.  One thing I know is that there is always hope!!!  There is so much awareness for breast cancer now and there are new drugs that are being tested or waiting for FDA approval. 

I will say a prayer for you and your family.

Cathy

Makratz

Praying for you both and your daughters.  They are blessed to have you.