Greetings from Azerbaijan) worries about control...
Hi everybody! My name is Yuliya. I'm 37, living in sunny Azerbaijan in Baku city. I want to apologize for my English before, it's not my native. I make many mistakes.SORRY! I've been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, after my son was born. Hi was only 4 month.
So, I went through chemo, surgery, radiation. Now I'm taking Femara and Zoladex.
Twice a year I have check-up. US test of my scar, another breast, lymph nodes and liver, blood test, and CT scan. My control is coming in February. And I'm already obcess about it. I'm so scared. If it possible, write me please, how do you deal with this stress!
Comments
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Hi Yuliya. Your English is very good. (I help teach a class of English learners who come from all over the world.) You have been through a lot.
I'm not sure what "control" is. Is that your check-up? Do you have scans then? A lot of women get scared and anxious when their appointments are coming up! You are not alone.
You probably have a lot to do with a 4 year old son. What else is happening in your life? Do you have a job outside the home? Do you have any fun hobbies like embroidery or playing music? I ask because one of the best ways to deal with stress is to focus on something else. Another good way to manage stress is to spend more time outside. Baku is a big city! Are there any parks near you where you can play with your son? Are you able to spend time at the seaside? Even going for walks outside every day might help.
I hope you can feel calm for the next few weeks until your appointments.
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Thank you for answer. Control is check-up). Yes, I try to have more time with my son. I working at the Baku International airport, at Duty-free). Baku is very beautiful city, but there is no place to go now, because of pandemic (. That why I'm in stress. I'll have CT scan in February, US screening and blood tests.. my oncologist think's it's enough.
I like sport. To ride bicycle, roller skating... Also i like music. My favourite band is Depeche mode)))
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I like the phrase about mountain 👍
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Hello Yulka,
Nice to meet you. Are you Armenian by any chance? My Armenian grandparents were originally from Kessab, Syria. My grandmother survived the Genocide of the last century. Hoping you are staying safe after all of the unrest in Azerbaijan.
I will pray for you that your follow up appointment will show that you are free of cancer. It sounds like you got the recommended treatment that would be provided here in the United States.
MountainMia gave some good advice. Try to keep busy with exercise and doing things you enjoy. Nice that you enjoy biking and roller skating. Try to do that more. My husband still roller skates!
It is very normal to be anxious. Please try to relax and I will keep you in my prayers. You should do fine. Also, your English is just fine.
Take care, Pat
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Yulka, it seems you have used all weapons to fight breast cancer and your doctor seems to have everything under control. You are taking all the treatments you were recommended. I have my check-up in February too but I tell myself not to borrow the worries. It is easy to say but think that you will be just fine.
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Hi Yulka, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!
We're sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us! As you can already see, our amazing Community is full of incredible members always willing to offer advice, support, and encouragement -- we're all here for you!
Thank you for introducing yourself and sharing your story. We look forward to supporting you and getting to know you!
--The Mods
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Thank you for your prayers!!! I have a great hope that I'm free of cancer. I wish the same to anyone here! To be free of cancer!!!
I'm russian. I was born in Baku. My great-grandmother was born here in 1887. I love this country!)
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Thank you for your work! This community help to many people to fight with this terrible disease!
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Welcome Yulka. You are a strong woman and am praying for your upcoming scans. Have faith that you ARE cancer free! You will do great and if you need help, the ladies here are just wonderful and will do anything to support you! Keep us posted!
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yulka, there is a pragmatic type of therapy called cbt - cognitive behavioral therapy - which can really help reduce anxiety about things we cannot control. If your anxiety is interfering with your sleep or work or just enjoyment of life, let your dr know and seek out a trained cbt therapist. It can be done via zoomBest wishes
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Just wanted to pop in and agree with your favourite band - it is mine too
You may want to look into the Calm app as a way to do some light meditation and refocusing your thoughts.
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I've never heard about this therapy. I'll ask my doctor. Thank you. Sometimes I totally forget about my decease, just when I have some activities. When I preparing to celebrate some holiday, for example, or when going to travel... But this pandemic crashes all my plans.
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Depeche mode forever!!
To use Calm app is very interesting advice. I'll definitely try it! Thank you..
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Hello Yulka,
So glad you posted. Many good ideas here already. I just wanted to say that I can really relate to your anxiety about scans as I'm sure many can. I have found mindfulness practices to be helpful--bringing awareness to breathing or sounds or physical sensations, eventually experiencing that thoughts and emotions are also things that can be observed, trying to notice whatever is here in the present moment, without judgment, as best I can. As a small taste, there is a short, simple, and calming practice called Take 5 breathing that you can find on the Internet. Also, when I am in the MRI or CT scanner, I often try to focus my attention on the physical sensations from where my body is contacting whatever it's resting on and then try to stay with the direct sensation/s as best I can. I also do this lying in bed sometimes, or sitting in a chair. And when the mind wanders, gently bringing it back to the breath or sensation as many times as is needed (which can be a lot--that is natural and perfectly ok!)
Regular exercise has helped me with anxiety quite a bit as well, as has finding time to be out in nature.
And yes, the pandemic adds another layer of stress for sure. I hope you can find ways to do some of the things that make you feel nurtured and content.
I am sending you wishes for a healthy, happy, and peaceful 2021. Enjoy your little one.
PS Depeche Mode is great!! Enjoy the Silence!
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Yulka, I follow an Azerbaijani woman on Facebook and by email who wrote an Azerbaijani cookbook and conducts tours (well, at least pre COVID) to Azerbaijan to experience things there. What fabulous food and what a generous welcoming culture! I'd love to visit.
https://azcookbook.com/welcome/
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I'm sure you'll love our country. Azerbaijanis are very kind and welcoming people. If you come to someone's home, you won't go hungry, there's many amazing dishes of Azerbaijan coisine . You'll drink a lot of tea with delicious national sweets. There are many ancient sights, beautiful places, Caspian sea..
Always Welcome!!!
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Thank you so much!!! I'm so glad to find this community!
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