Are you sure this gets better?

Let the tears flow Kona. It's part if the process. You'll find your strength, and you will fight like hell, and you have a very good chance of beating this. Very good. Ask for anxiety meds if you need them. This is no time to be a hero.

I am 3 years out (almost 4 actually!), and there are many many many days I foget all about cancer. But truly, it made me a better person in too many ways to list. I never thought I'd say that. But you will too someday. I know it.

Konakona, I too had major anxiety. There was a nurse navigator at the hospital where my surgery was done. I talked with her before my surgery as well as afterwards. She directed me to free resources that helped with my anxiety like a support group and a counselor. There were other resources available that I did not use. I cannot tell you how much the counselor and support group have helped me reduce my anxiety. They have been wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. You can call your hospital's main desk to ask if they have nurse navigators. I will be thinking of you.

It's OK sweetie. Melt down as needed! For real, it does get better, as you start to take chunks out of the beast.

Better living thru chemicals! Not even kidding. I bet most folks here have taken an anti depressant and /or an anti anxiety drug. No shame in that! Way I see it is, we fight with every tool at our disposal. Keeping our sanity is part of that.

Oh absolutely - things will get much, much better for you. Soon - you will be writing in to advise and comfort others who are going through the same things. Treatments have progressed so much in the past few years. Keep thinking positive and block any other thoughts out of your mind. Sending hugs and prayers your way. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

positive! I was in your boat less then 4 months ago and I from at 33 with two small children this was the end. But having gone threw the sugery (easiet part of this whole journey by far) and weeks of radiation I didn't think I would see this magical other side of the journey when I was first diagnosed. But here I am standing on the other side with my head held high. You will get to this point as well, just have patience, faith and understanding. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask.

Just remember when you start that some side effects may subside after a few months. In the beginning I felt extra sleepy and dizzy like vertigo, needed more naps, malaise, burning stinging eyes and dry mouth, those things are gone now. But do still have the joint and muscle stiffness, which stopped getting worse at least. Never any weight gain or loss, but do feel a little full so I'm eating less which makes up for inactivity. No eye bluriness, increased cholesterol, or glucose. But dobelieve I have brain sluggishness. . It will be interesting to see what you report Chisandy.

Just remember that antidepressants take several weeks to work. The anti anxiety meds should help during this part of the process which is definitely the worst.....

Hi -

I sent you a PM. I'm bipolar, which means I take multiple meds. I've been on clonazepam (Klonopin) for YEARS. I started at 5 mgs. and now I'm at 1 mg., half a mg. taken twice a day. Alproazam (Xanax) is considered a much more potent benzodiazapene. I take it to fly on airplanes because it knocks me sideways!

The main side effect for me in the beginning was sleepiness. I'm also an alcoholic (16 years sober!) so my AA sponsor was convinced I'd abuse it. I was sitting with my psychiatrist, so anxious my teeth were chattering. He said, "would you rather feel like this?" So I started taking it. There might be a little fogginess, which also clears up.

Also, I found a lump after surgery and FREAKED. Fortunately, when the MO felt it, she said it was scar tissue from the lumpectomy. I got an MRI before surgery. Right after the surgery they told my husband they'd found calcifications. They turned out to be benign. But it's hard not to get through all of this without being scared and having meltdowns.

I feel better now that I've gone through so much of this process. The beginning weeks were the WORST.

Hang in there!

hello sweetie its ok to freak out i did most of us here did the unknown is the problem but it will get better i am now a 21yr Survivor(Praise God) here to Inspire those going thru hang in there. msphil idc stage2 Lmast 0\3 nodes chemo n rads n 5yrs on tamoxifen