Scared

psalms91:  Yes I can relate, not to the extend that you are describing but yes anxiety can be huge right where you are in the dx and treatment stage!  ESPECIALLY the fear of leaving a 5yr old behind.. but it is anxiety.. if you hadn't had the ekg and stress tests I'd say don't do anything until you know for sure.. If it will make you feel better why not have a Cardiologist review your tests so you can calm down some?  This is incredibly stressful and I ALWAYS suggest that we add a psychologist into our mix of medical professionals so we can feel more comfortable about going forward.  A psychologists job is to help you hear YOUR voice when everyone's else will seem louder.  This is a time when YOU must hear your own voice and with all their best intensions all the people and specialists around you it is YOU that holds the key this time.  You have been under stress for too long and this is your bodies way of saying enough - so again a psychologist might be able to help you with some exercises and practices that will help bring the anxiety down.. or he/she might have you primary care write a script for you until after this is over and you can start to function on your own again!!!  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope for you the best of outcomes!  Take good care, Deirdre

Psalms91 - Soon after I was diagnosed with DCIS and referred to a surgeon, I began having heart-racing episodes (palpitations and tachycardia). I saw my primary care doctor and she prescribed Xanax and sent me for a cardiac workup. My stress test, holter monitor and echocardiogram were all normal except for some rapid heartbeats. The cardiologist also ordered a 28-day monitor and the 5th day on the monitor, I had an episode which turned out to be atrial fibrillation. So, if not for the 28-day monitor, we wouldn't know what the real problem was. (The Xanax, by the way, did nothing to calm my heart down.) Now I take a beta blocker to control my heart rate and a daily baby aspirin. With all of this going on, I had surgery two months after my DCIS diagnosis. I don't really think there was a connection between the atrial fib and DCIS except maybe the stress of the diagnosis brought on the atrial fib. I would encourage you to see a cardiologist and perhaps ask about the 28 day monitor. You don't have to be in a hurry with DCIS and I think you will do much better if you have peace of mind about the heart issues. You are dealing with a lot of stress issues now and I would hate for you to go into surgery feeling afraid. Hugs and prayers....

Dear Psalms91

Wow you have been through a really tough time. No wonder you are having anxiety. I can certainly relate to the stress level, anxiety attacks and the feeling like you're going to loose it. The other ladies have good advice & I would also encourage you to talk to your Dr about an anti-anxiety med. I know a lot of people fear addiction sometimes, but you can talk to you Dr. about that too. I have taken anti-anxiety meds off & on for a long time & doing just fine. I think the idea about seeing a psychologist is a great idea & also trying to understand how anxiety works....it is definitely something that you need to treat right away as sometimes panic attacks can happen & progress. I re-read that your med for anxiety is not working so maybe your Dr will give you something different or up the dose. 

What was your BC diagnosis? I know it can be scary to think of surgery. I just had a bilateral MX & undergoing construction. To be honest, for me it was not as bad as I thought it would be and less painful. Just take a deep breath and take one step at a time. 

I survived a long term battle with Meningitis (infection & inflammation of the brain & spine) that left me bed ridden for a year. I had two babies in diapers & had many days of feeling like I was gonna loose it. I really do understand. Can you get someone to help watch your little one for a while? Friend, neighbor, church? This is a time when having some alone time will not only help you but also your child. It may be a huge blessing to someone else to help you & watch your precious little one. Don't try to be super mom right now. Because of your Name...Psalms...I assume you may go to church? Time to reach out to the staff & tell them you need help. I'm sure there will be some ladies who would love to make you dinner. I've had so many wonderful people bring meals who have also been in tough times just wanting to repay what they received. Also, your local hospital may have some outreach programs that may help & be covered by insurance. Mine even had child care, light housekeeping, & nursing. Your local cancer center may also give some great ideas for support. 

Sending big hugs and know you are not alone. You will get through all of this. Start with a phone call to your doctor who is managing your med now & see what he can do. I'll be thinking of you & sending you big hugs, Hummingb1rd