Is this level of anxiety about tests normal

LtotheK

I am six years out from Stage 1 ER+ cancer for which I received TC chemotherapy, radiation, and 10 years of Tamoxifen due to my young age at diagnosis.

Tomorrow is my mammogram, and I wait a month for the MRI. I am sick to my stomach, shaking, and can't eat. I have to take Xanax the week before just to gear up. They loom over my whole summer, I think about them constantly and am writing my will in my head. I cry looking at my 2 year old son if I think about it.

Somehow, this doesn't seem normal to me. I am wondering what others experience, and what coping mechanisms you employ. I am also wondering if I need some serious counseling and further medication.

GraceB1

It sounds pretty normal to me. I didn't think that getting a mamo would bother me but I was shaking walking into the room. Ambian was the only way I got any sleep until the report came back. About 80% of BC patients show symptoms of PTSD and that's what we have. Some counseling should help as well as taking some anti-anxiety drugs.

jacksnana

I'm the same way. I'm 6 1/2 years from diagnosis and I come unglued over my 6 month appointment with my oncologist. She does bloodwork and tumor markers and waiting for the results is awful for me. Since my diagnosis, I'm nervous about other doctor appointments as well, although not to the same degree. Makes me feel a little better knowing it's not just me!

BrooksideVT

Your stress level does seem a bit extreme, and as Grace B indicated, might well be a sign of PTSD. Your hospital will have a counselor on staff who is very familiar with the anxiety, even panic, that arise, both in the short term, and also some years after a cancer diagnosis. You could also ask whichever doc you feel most comfortable with for a referral and/or medication.

Maybe, if you are still over-the-top stressed tomorrow, you'll have a pretty good chance of the radiologist looking at your images right then and there.

LtotheK

You guys are so sweet and thanks for reaching out and sharing. I think I need to come clean with my oncologist. She is very sunshine and roses at this point, and even did the "cured" thing, but I know that is a far cry from reality, and that is why I get so nuts. She was weird about giving me Xanax last time, but I think I need to talk more plainly with her about my needs.

AnxietyAnne

I just want to say I am sure I have PTSD. After 3 callbacks and one biopsy, every year when the time for my mammogram comes. I am terrified. It takes me almost a month to make the appointment. Even though the callbacks have been good news and the biopsy B9. The waiting is torture. Best of results to all

LtotheK

I just got back from my tests, and have to wait a week for the results now that I've been "demoted" to screening after 5 years. Totally crazy, now I get to be stressed out longer. In any case, it feels so good knowing you all are there.

Yes, good results to all!!!

labelle

Pretty normal IMO too. I go to the breast center every 6 months for a physical exam by the BS and once a year for mammo and blood work. My next appointment is on Aug. 16. I plan to start the Xanax on about Aug. 10th. LOL. This follow up care makes me crazy too. I think I have scanxiety to the nth degree. I even get edgy about dentist appointments since my BC diagnosis-any medical type appointment seems to set me off.

StephanieT3

Thank goodness I am not the only one. I am waiting on results from an ultrasound on my liver that I had yesterday. I am a wreck. I just spent a lot of time crying in the shower and now I can't stop shaking. I don't want my family to worry so they have no idea that I am even concerned. As far as they know everyone has elevated liver enzymes and gets ultrasounds. I know it would probably make me feel better to let them know I'm scared, but then that doesn't seem fair to drag them into my anxiety.

lulud471

StephanieT3 I stumbled across this searching "elevated liver enzymes". Anyway, I hope you are doing okay. I also don't want to worry anyone & am waiting for bone scan results. It's very unnerving!