Feeling anxious to go back to work...

Options
rumba524
rumba524 Member Posts: 5
edited March 2018 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I am nearing the end of my radiation but will need to continue with my targeted therapy until July. But I already got a very good offer for a new job - it's in the same city that I have been working since 2011 (I'm now back in my hometown staying with my mother to receive treatment). So I will need to travel back to my hometown every three weeks (international flight so I don't want to change doctors... but the flight only takes 2 hours so it's ok).

While I am excited about the job (and the opportunities that the job will bring me - something that will steer my career to a new and exciting direction), I feel anxious:

1) Not being able to do the job well;

2) Recurrence;

3) Lymphedema;

4) What if xxx happens to me (xxx can be anything that sometimes I even don't know what I'm worried about).


Does anyone have similar experience and how do you cope with this? Thank you!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2018

    I went back to work after 10 plus months away. Had total hyst and elbow lump removal after radiations are done. Yes I was extremely fortunate no question about that.

    1) About nervousness i am still dealing w it after almost two months. Work changed 110% more stress. Strongly suggest 15 min real break every day. Anxiety helped me with weight control yes it is strange but it did.

    2) recurrence - bc you are at work you have less time to think about. Despite scanxiety I had due to 6 mo check up, fear of recurrence does go down. Try to eat right and exercise. It is ok to have bad food here and there. Do something nice for you as much as possible. Recurrence trigger for me is cancer drug commercials.

    3) Lymphedema - i find myself wearing my sleeve longer hrs than I was at home. Do my flexitouch pump almost daily. Exercise again. Move as much as possible. And water is crucial. If anything drinking water will force you to get up and go to bathroom.


    Good luck I am happy for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited February 2018

    Go for the job and opportunity! Number 1 concern is normal even without a breast cancer diagnosis. As for lymphedema, why worry? Either it doesn't happen or it's manageable.

    Xxx could always happen. I recently hit a deer and needed body work on my car. Being semi-stranded is the pits. But this has nothing to do with having had breast cancer. I was off on a skiing holiday to celebrate my birthday. Not nearly as much fun as 3 years ago when I went with a much younger admirer.

    Seize the day and the opportunity!!! Good luck and let us know how you are thriving. - Claire 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rumba524
    rumba524 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2018

    Thanks all for your responses! It's just that I feel even more anxious than normal... I guess it's just something that I need to overcome after bc...

    Best wishes to everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories