My sisters are better than all the Ativan in the WORLD!

Anonymous

My sisters are better than all the Ativan in the WORLD!

Anonymous

Lots of you were "with" me since this crappy lymph-node scare has begun.  It's not quite over, but things are looking better and I am in a much better place. 

If you look at the beginning of my saga, my posts were wild with fear and terror.  I could tell you all knew that because most of you told me to "Stop. Breathe.  Look at your son." 

I do suffer from a LOT of anxiety, and PTSD, and don't get a lot of empathy from my oncologist's office (re: crappy nurse assistant telling me I need psychiatric care). 

I am so eternally grateful for all of you and for this forum.  I feel comforted knowing that I am not the only one to struggle with this, and I know that with the guidance of my sisters, I will find a way to work through this all. 

Thank you all for coming with me to the doctor's office, crowding into the exam room, hiding under the table, singing some songs and bringing Slurpees. 

Elephant Sisters are a phenomenal substitution for Ativan, and far less side effects. 

Love and  prayers, Deb

leaf

Hi Deb.  I have PTSD too (or something very close to PTSD.) 

I just want to say I have found my sisters so helpful here too, with many fewer side effects than Ativan.  

You may also be interested in reading my last post  (Feb 10) in the thread about PTSD and antidepressants. http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/102/topic/728825?page=1#idx_4

Sounds like you are not alone in your assessment!

It is AWFUL not to be understood. Everyone's path should be respected.  I think that choice is very, very important.  Maybe its even more important for those of us with PTSD.  There is no one magic cure.

I am a hospital pharmacist, and when I knew I had to select an oncologist, I knew that if I had to be seen by Dr. X, that I would need at least 50mg of Ativan to see her.  I am so glad I chose Dr. Y, who has a calm demeanor.

I am so glad that things are looking up for you - we all need to support each other here.

Anonymous

I just came up with the name of my imaginary bc.org doctor.  "Doctor Tenderleaf"

mzmiller99

And right back at you, Whoops!!  It's amazing how we support each other, isn't?  One sweet, thoughtful post and I feel loved and understood.  And, most of the time, that's all that's needed.

BFidelis

Add me to the chorus.  It just helps so much to be able to speak your truth.  Even with my closest, dearest, most supportive F&F, there's always some part of me is keeping up a front.  I never have to censor myself with the ladies & gents here. 

That alone eases so much burden.  My PCP (who is my bud) early on in my dx talked to me about the difference between "pain" and "suffering."  He understood that the surgeon and the onc understand "pain" but really don't always understand the "suffering."  He told me that there was no reason for me to suffer as well as no reason for me to be in pain.  He got me on Lexapro and clonopin.  I've weaned off the first and weaning off the other now.  And suffering pretty under control now.  So much out there that lots of folks don't understand about us.

Dona Nobis Pacem,

Beth

ICanDoThis

Whoops - I'm glad we can be here for you. 

I am another PTSD (or close) survivors. I was doing really well, with the help of a therapist, and getting some really good coping mechanisms in place.

I am seriously thinking about giving in and going on an AD - I got laid off 2 weeks ago, along with half of the division I worked in - writers always go. I practically burst into tears at the Unemployment Office.

This has got to stop!