Appointment Anxiety

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TaniaE
TaniaE Member Posts: 92
edited May 2015 in Share Your Experiences Of Life After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Just wondering if it is normal to feel extremely anxious in the lead up to and during appointments, check ups, tests etc. I am just over a year out from diagnosis and find that I feel almost sick whenever I have to go to an appointment. I went down to my local cancer clinic today, the same clinic I was treated at for my scheduled oncologist appointment and felt like I had an anxiety attack. Just the smell of the place made me feel sick, I almost felt like running out of there. Does anyone else feel the same way? Does it get any easier with time? The strange thing is I didn't feel that way while I was going through treatment, only feeling it now that everything is over. I knew this would be a hard journey but I didn't expect this experience a year on. This whole ordeal really sucks.

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  • angelia50
    angelia50 Member Posts: 381
    edited February 2015

    I am right there with you. I had my surgery in July and just finally had my exchange in December, so I'm thinking, finally, this is over for a while but no, now its follow up time. I had appointments last Friday but due to weather, I cancelled. They couldn't get me in until like May, which in my head, was fine but the scheduler called yesterday and said no, doctor said you can't wait that long. So, they are moving it up. I just had mammogram in December, prior to the exchange and lift, and it was clear, so surely it will be fine but like you, I am just dreading it and I truthfully want to just cancel and never go back. I had not had a mammogram in probably over 20 years, against all the recommendations, and I was blessed that when this was found, it was still stage 1A and I said I've learned my lesson, but now, I want to go back to the just sticking my head in the sand and pretending I don't know. I had finally had days when I didn't have that horrible fear and this just brings it back. I had been going to the same place for reconstruction but that wasn't bothering me because they weren't looking for something wrong, they were just repairing. So, you are not alone. I am feeling I just want to ignore it all.

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  • 208sandy
    208sandy Member Posts: 2,610
    edited February 2015

    You are sooo not alone - I am 7 years out and I still have anxiety before ANY drs. appointment or scan appointment - I take half an Ativan before every one of them and it keeps me from panicking and running away, that's just how it is for some of us but it is vaitally important that you go to ALL appointments - it's what's kept me alive for 7 years.....and it's also a good idea to find a social worker at your cancer clinic to talk to - that has helped me a lot.

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  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 621
    edited February 2015

    I am right there with you--I get almost sick to the point of throwing up before appts, esp. if expecting results of tests. I have one coming up this Friday to get results from lumpectomy Monday--was Birads-3 on radiology exam and surgeon thought it looked benign (surprised he even said that), esp. given my "history." Still, I am scared $&#$less. I cried during my bone scan. I dread my first yearly exam! I think this fear must be very normal. Hugs to all of you going through this anxiety. It sucks!

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited February 2015

    Yes, scanxiety! I have an 18 mo 3D mammo and US tomorrow. Scheduled for morning so I don't have to fret all day about it. I would probably drink a glass of wine if it wasn't so early! LOL! I think we are "normal" considering what we are going through. I try to empower myself with thoughts of, "I am doing something for myself and kicking BC's butt!" Easier said than done, but worrying will only rob you of today. It won't change the outcome. (HUGS)

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited February 2015

    I think it is so common as to be "usual"!

    I believe (hope) the intensity will decrease over the years, but that (sc)anxiety to my mind will always be there!

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  • kittysister
    kittysister Member Posts: 212
    edited May 2015

    Keepthefait, can you explain to me how the 3D mammo is different from a regular one? Is it any less painful than the regular kind? Is it the same type of set up and do you know if Medicare covers this? I should know these things probably, but I don't. More importantly, did yours turn out ok? I can relate to the stress of appointments. My BP jumps up and I feel like I'm going to croak for any appointment. Didn't use to feel this way.

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