remaining medical anxiety

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ajl
ajl Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi Sisters- I had initial biopsy to determine Cancer, Sentinal Node Biopsy, surgery, chemo, radiation,Herceptpin IVs, and now Femara. Finshed the bulk of treatment over a year ago but cannot come to terms with some of the remaining anxiety and depression issues. I have a good support system and have continued counseling. Have any of you tried the EMDR therapy and had success? It is supposedly very helpful for traumatic issues and anxiety. I totally function every day, swim, meditate, eat very healthy. I just want to conquer my medical anxiety that arises every time I have to get a mammogram, visit the Oncologist, surgeon etc. I have to take anti anxiety meds when I go for appointments. What a Wimp!!! The Sentinal Node Biopsy totally freaked me out with pain. I don't think I will ever get over that. Let me know if you have any magical formulas or have tried EMDR (Rapid Eye Movement is part of this method)

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  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited August 2009

    Hi Ajl,

    You are not a wimp!!  What you're experiencing is quite common in the BC arena.  I've not heard of EMDR but did look it up and it sounds like it's worth a try.

    Wishing you all the strength to conquer your anxiety.  Do let us know how you're coming along and if this new therapy works for you.

    Jelly

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  • Jorf
    Jorf Member Posts: 498
    edited August 2009

    I do know of people who have had good experiences with EMDR.

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  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 1,830
    edited August 2009

    I also know of people who have had good outcomes with EMDR. I have used mindfulness meditation to learn how better to cope with anxiety and outright fear.

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited August 2009

    Ajl, you are not a wimp!  I take ativan before my appointments especially if I'm really nervous.  I never heard of EMDR and would be interested in hearing more about it.

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  • dreamwriter
    dreamwriter Member Posts: 3,255
    edited August 2009

    I dont take anything for anxiety or fear except my friends support.  My best friend comes to each appointment and worries right along with me.

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited August 2009

    My therapist says this can be very helpful for RECENT trauma.  For long standing trauma (i.e. decades) it may not be as helpful. 

    As terrij said, you are not a wimp!  

     
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  • sforsyth301
    sforsyth301 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2009

    I am going to look this up because I am newly diagnosed and so overcome with anxiety that I can barely function. THe only thing I can think about is cancer and death and all the hideous treatment in between. This is so even though everyone I know with cancer, with few exceptions, has done very well for many years (sister in law with double mast. 30 years ago! Aunt with BC 50 years ago, did fine until died of old age; best friend with two cancers in last 10 years, doing great; father with cancer, died of other causes 30 years later; friend with melanoma, passing 5 year mark; friend with stage II, now at 7 years). I tell myself all that, but I still feel like throwing up and haven't eaten anything in days....

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited August 2009

    Forsyth, oh sweetie, I am sending you lots of love and encouragement.  Of course you are anxious!  Know that others care and are with you! xo

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited August 2009

    Not a wimp Ajl!  Just a normal human who is experiencing a normal reaction to trauma.  EMDR can be very useful, just make sure to check out the qualifications of the provider.  Sending love and suppport.  God bless us all! xo

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