Anxiety

MamaM

I have days that I feel ok (I can stay busy enough to not allow myself to think) & then days that I feel so anxious that I can't handle it. I need some ideas of different activities you started doing that helped you mentally. I am 8 weeks post double masectomy & still visiting with my last two oncologists this week to make a final decision about my treatment. I am taking Ativan daily when needed (& to sleep) & it does help however when it wears off, it's like a waterfall of anxiety. What exercises can I start to do while I have TE's????

mdg

I was always an exerciser before all of this so not exercising was hard right after surgery! I started walking 2 weeks after BMX and got back to the gym at 3 weeks after.  I did the elliptical with minimal arms at first and then worked my way up to using arms the whole time. I did also do some light weights for upper body and heavier weights for lower body.  I started taking Effexor later in that year to help with my anxiety.  When  I could not sleep at night, I would take Xanax. 

Moderators

Great suggestions from mdg. Here is a section on complementary treatments, some of which you may find helpful in reducing your anxiety. Complementary Treatment

Please take a look at our section on Anxiety. It also suggests some anti-anxiety medications that you may want to discuss with your physician.

You're not alone with this!

labelle

After being diagnosed I used Xanax pretty heavily for general anxiety and to sleep, but recently switched to melatonin as a healthier option.

I started Pilates classes recently-but I had a lumpectomy only. Still, the instructor has been very good about accommodations/substitutions. I think you would find the same true in beginning yoga classes with a good instructor.