since my dx

cookiegal

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pabbie

Hi-If you're not opposed to medication; I've been using a small dose of klonopin (clonazapem) for anxiety. This also might help with the paralyzing terror. You might want to touch base with a psychiatrist, preferably an oncology psych before treatment just in case you need the meds you'll have them on hand. I remember when I went to my chemotherapy appts., I'de take Ativan (another pill that helps calm the nerves) and a anti-nausea pill beforehand.

But please be aware that the benzo-drugs (klonopin, valium, ativan & zanax) can be habit-forming. I'm always checking myself to make sure I'm on a low dose.

I also take zoloft for depression. Supposedly works well for hot flashes, PMDD, & social anxiety.

I hope this helps. I promise you I'm not a drug-pusher but I felt sad for you in your description of yourself being paralyzed with terror. Take care of yourself.

flash

consider talking to a psychiatrist and using whatever he prescribes.  American Cancer Society has  a list of psychiatrists that are specifically experienced with cancer folks.  It does help if they have that experience.  Understand that SSRI's typically take a few weeks to kick in so they will probably also give you an anti-anxiety in addition.  You really do want to take anything that is needed to make you feel better.  This is exactly the use for which they are designed.  It really will help you get over the hump and then be able to look at it more objectively.

Good luck

SavannahGirl

Hi Suz42,

I can totally rate to the fear - actually the panic and terror - that you describe. Never in my life have I felt so anxious and vulnerable, I'm usually the 'level headed' one that people come to for advice. I've experienced depression, fear and anxiety like I never dreamed possible since I was diagnosed on June 12. The hardest thing is the seemingly endless waiting between tests, the confusion of trying to learn a whole new language in a short time, and the loneliness at 2 a.m. 

Finally after Labor Day weekend I called my oncologist and said I needed something for the anxiety because it was killing me. She prescribed Xanax and I am also searching out a good therapist who is covered by my insurance plan.  Friday will be my first chemo treatment and yes I am nervous and scared, but I will get through it just as I got through a double mastectomy. 

 You can do this, make sure to ask for help and most of all remember you are not alone, we're all rooting for you.

Kath

Isabella4

Suz42.

You will get thru this...we all eventually do, just some are more eventual than others !

The other girls are all saying get some help, and I totally agree, pop a little pill for a few weeks 'til this acute stage passes. I know well that terrible fear this disease generates, it takes some time to get thru all the treatments, and come out the other side, its life changing, and you CANNOT alter it, its happened, and it WILL come right.

Get out there and enjoy this lovely weather, I know that sounds silly, as your mind will be working overtime, but it really helps to 'store' up some good things to get you thru the treatments, winter will be here soon enough, time then to brave up to your treatments.

Cut yourself some slack, look after yourself, and never refuse an offer of help, people love to feel that they're 'doing something', all these things will help focus your mind on whats going on, and get you thru this. Also it helps to talk to a psychologist, some are specially trained to help bc patients, and talking, just getting your fears out, really does help.

Savannahgirl, just you look after yourself as well, hope your chemo treatments are going OK.

Isabella. 

cookiegal

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