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I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in March. I had already had problems last year so I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders. I just finished my first round of chemo which took 8 weeks. I start my 2nd round on Monday and these are weekly for 12 weeks. I feel as if I am looking down an endless tunnel. Any comments to help me manage the anxiety? I have always been a fighter and know deep down it will all end but it just seems sooo intimidating.
Thanks for any encouragement.
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Want to leave a comment? Login or Register now!I had my second round with breast cancer last January 2006. The first time I was 30 years old and had a 9 year old daughter, a 3 year old daughter and a 5 month old son. I had a modified radical mastectomy of the left breast. That was 23 years ago. I was cancer free until last year in a routine mammogram of the right breast. This second time I chose to have a lumpectomy b/c the tumor was under 1 cm. However, it was Herr 2 positive, so the oncologist recommended chemo and radiation. You asked how to manage the anxiety and it feels like an endless tunnel. Each of our stories seem to be a little different, but here is how I did it now a year ahead of you. The first time, i looked at my husband and babies and knew I HAD to make it. I was determined NOT to let breast cancer define who I was but let God use it to REFINE who I was. I knew God had a plan and purpose for my life and I wanted to join in on it. You dig deep within your soul and make peace with God your Creator,(If you are interested, I would love to dialogue and share Scriptures with you.) After that you LIVE each life to the fullest not taking for granted this gift. Each yearly milestone the anxiety will become less and less. Now, I have to admit, last year was a shocker. You see my husband had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the week before my new diagnosis of breast cancer! After we both cried, the spiritual reserve kicked in again. It was definitely more difficult this time b/c of the chemo and losing my hair. My reaction to losing my hair was more difficult than losing my breast the first time, for some reason! But know that YOU CAN get through the chemo and radiation. Sometimes I think it was such a surreal experience. I'm sorry this is so long. Take a look at my profile and pictures and see how those little kids have grown up. In fact , our son-the baby the first time, is a music artist. He is a spokesperson now for NBCF and at his concerts, he shares about breast cancer and early detection and our family story! (Check him out on www.myspace.com/jakesmithmusic. He wrote the song Run after finding out about my husband and I's cancer last year. Please take care of youself. Get a good support system of family and close friends and take one day at a time. Let others help on the chemo days that you just feel so drained. But KNOW the energy will come back! You can get through this and like Wanda shared- one day you will be sharing your story with others. God Bless you.
Gail SmithDear Ms Wick, I had my second round with breast cancer last January 2006. The first time I was 30 years old and had a 9 year old daughter, a 3 year old daughter and a 5 month old son. I had a modified radical mastectomy of the left breast. That was 23 years ago. I was cancer free until last year in a routine mammogram of the right breast. This second time I chose to have a lumpectomy b/c the tumor was under 1 cm. However, it was Herr 2 positive, so the oncologist recommended chemo and radiation. You asked how to manage the anxiety and it feels like an endless tunnel. Each of our stories seem to be a little different, but here is how I did it now a year ahead of you. The first time, i looked at my husband and babies and knew I HAD to make it. I was determined NOT to let breast cancer define who I was but let God use it to REFINE who I was. I knew God had a plan and purpose for my life and I wanted to join in on it. You dig deep within your soul and make peace with God your Creator,(If you are interested, I would love to dialogue and share Scriptures with you.) After that you LIVE each life to the fullest not taking for granted this gift. Each yearly milestone the anxiety will become less and less. Now, I have to admit, last year was a shocker. You see my husband had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the week before my new diagnosis of breast cancer! After we both cried, the spiritual reserve kicked in again. It was definitely more difficult this time b/c of the chemo and losing my hair. My reaction to losing my hair was more difficult than losing my breast the first time, for some reason! But know that YOU CAN get through the chemo and radiation. Sometimes I think it was such a surreal experience. I'm sorry this is so long. Take a look at my profile and pictures and see how those little kids have grown up. In fact , our son-the baby the first time, is a music artist. He is a spokesperson now for NBCF and at his concerts, he shares about breast cancer and early detection and our family story! (Check him out on www.myspace.com/jakesmithmusic. He wrote the song Run after finding out about my husband and I's cancer last year. Please take care of youself. Get a good support system of family and close friends and take one day at a time. Let others help on the chemo days that you just feel so drained. But KNOW the energy will come back! You can get through this and like Wanda shared- one day you will be sharing your story with others. God Bless you. Gail Smith
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, MsWick. Don't quit now.There IS a light at the end of that tunnel, even though it may not feel like it right now. Your attitude plays such an important role in your recovery. Stay positive, stay strong, and believe that you can get through this...and you will. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, MsWick. Don't quit now.