Severely anxious before appointments

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I have a regular gynocology appt. this Thursday , then my six month oncology next Thursday and I am terrified.....for the last few months...I have symptoms similar to IBS....no diarrhea or real constipation, ....sorry....but gassy, after almost everything I eat. i have had a very, very stressful year , so, so many of my family and friends think its that...but Im so scared...I was daignosed with lobular breast cancer, st 2- no nodes...5 1/2 years ago and it is known to metastasize to the GI tract....if I can get some words of encouragemt to get through these next few days...please...you are all wonderful...but I dont think I can bear to hear from someone who had similar symptoms that turned out o be cancer...Im hanging on by a thread right now...I just need some support to get me through...thank you so much

Comments

  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited September 2017

    I think it is absolutely normal to be terrified, especially when you have any kind of symptoms. Your rational mind just

    cannot kick in. PTSD just rears its ugly head. That is what happens to me, to my sister, and so many other cancer survivors

    that I know.

    The one thing that helps me is I constantly picture myself getting home after the doctor's appointments are over. I envision that everything is

    okay, that I am safe, and no cancer. It is just a simple thing, but it always helps me.

    You are not alone out there on "the ledge". We know how you feel.

  • Theresanne
    Theresanne Member Posts: 90
    edited September 2017

    Thank you Denise for taking the time to offer some support....I got many views....but no response from others .....I appreciate your time and kind words....bless you on your journey

  • Luckynumber47
    Luckynumber47 Member Posts: 397
    edited September 2017

    Hi Theresanne, I'm so sorry you have to deal with this new worry. When I read your symptoms I thought of a handful of other, non cancer things it could be. Gluten sensitivity, dairy sensitivity, diverticulitis, intestinal infection, IBS, leaky bowel. Well, I could go on. I had horrible stomach pains for months. Turned out I had become sensitive to garlic. Who knew. It could be that something that's always been part of your diet has now turned against you. Does taking tums help

    You might try an elimination diet (like Whole 30) add in some probiotics (we drink kombucha) and practice guided imagery to help with the stress.

    I've never found a doctor very educated on digestion issues and had to become my own detective. Hopefully you'll find out it's something simple and be able to put this behind you.

  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited September 2017

    Aw...sorry you are having problems! I would think mets would cause more than gas, honestly, but definitely ask your docs for some peace of mind at your follow up appointment! In the meantime, a food record or elimination diet might help to pinpoint the source (I would start with the food record, it's easier). It's pretty common as we age for the body to decide it doesn't like certain foods. Also maybe try some gas-x? I use it on occasion and find it works pretty well!!

  • ChemicalWorld
    ChemicalWorld Member Posts: 172
    edited January 2018

    Theresanne, are you taking any anti-hormonals? I have done a lot of searching for info on this as I never had a GI problem in my life that I couldn't chalk up to a bug or something I ate and had always been able to eat just about everything, but that changed drastically a couple of years into Tamoxifen and particularly post-Lupron. I am also taking Metformin but it never got bad until the Lupron really. I have stumbled upon some info about GI changes post-menopause and have seen people on IBS boards state that things got worse for them around period time or into menopause. So really it doesn't seem all that far fetched for me that a lack of estrogen or chemopause would affect this part of our bodies.

    I started taking a probiotic which helped. But the anxiety of appointment times also affected this and while I don't normally, I had to start taking immodium before every oncology appt and definitely before the gyno ones.

    I know this post is old, hope you are doing well.

  • BJKinNebr
    BJKinNebr Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2018

    Thursday, January 25th I have new CT scans scheduled and this time I am really having a tough time with anxiety and depression. Friday will be my 2nd anniversary ref being diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Treatment has gone well so far. We've been able to control the mets and no further spreading to new locations. My only serious treatment issue has been developing necrosis in my jaw, which has been a tough one to deal with. I am seeing a specialist for this issue Febr 1st. Being on various antibiotics for an extended period of time due to infections has caused some other side affects with gas, slight diarrhea and just feeling like crap. I'm sure this is all factoring into my anxiety about the CT scans. Every little pain or change in bathroom issues just freaks me out. I've been off of xgeva for about 10 months because of the necrosis so of course I worry that the bone cancer is going to take off like wild fire. Just trying to take deep breaths and get through the next couple of days. Sorry for rambling on...

  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited January 2018

    Hi BJKinNebr:

    I just want to send you a virtual hug. I feel for you. I hope your scans show that treatment is working - shrinking tumors and all that.

    I wish I could take away the anxiety for you. What a beast this disease it....

    Hang in there.

    wallan

  • BJKinNebr
    BJKinNebr Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2018

    Thanks Wallan. Today is the day. After I'm done with the scans, I may have to do a little aroma therapy.... a couple of new scented candles and maybe a glass of wine. Staying positive!!!

  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited January 2018

    BJ - thinking of you!

  • BJKinNebr
    BJKinNebr Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2018

    Thanks everyone. My regular chemo appointment is Wednesday so we'll see what they say then. I called once for scan results way back at the beginning of this journey and I won't do it again. I'd rather be sitting in the same room with the doctor.getting the news and not on the phone.

  • BJKinNebr
    BJKinNebr Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2018

    Hi everyone. Well, my scans came back stable!!! The only change they could see was on one of the spots on my liver.

    It appears to have grown a little (going from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm) My oncologist isn't too concerned yet. She said it could be

    a difference in how they viewed each layer of the scan?????? Anyway, we will be keeping a close eye on it and will do another

    scan in about 2 months instead of 4 months. I'll be staying with the taxotere for now. I am fortunate that I have had very few

    issues with nausea. My biggest problem has been the fatigue. I also found out today that two more of my Wednesday friends

    have died. One had been in hospice for about a month. The other one was very unexpected. I now feel like I am the "last of the

    Mohican's" Other patients have come and gone. They have moved out of state, changed doctors or changed chemo days. this

    still has me fighting back the tears and depression. How do you deal with losing chemo buddies???? I need some suggestions.


    Barb

  • BJKinNebr
    BJKinNebr Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2018

    Well, it's that time again. New CT scans on Wednesday. Been having some pain in my ribs and back but trying to tell myself that it's nothing new. Hoping to have results when I see my oncologist later on Wednesday.


    Barb

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