Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer last May, I am going through chemo and have two more sessions to go. These are hardest ones left and for the last month and a half, I have been feeling so lost and helpless an have have numerous panic attacks.

Has anyone gone through this and how did you manage? Right now I feel so lost, I don't know what to do.

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Hi Tarry1,

You can get through this. Have faith in your body and your personal strength. Just 2 more to go.

I hope you have a friend who can see you through.

Best wishes,
jjosie

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Stay strong, you are almost done.
S

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Hi Terry1, I was scared too when I was diagnosed with cancer. You are not alone my friend. Panic attacks and trouble sleeping are common for us cancer patients. I found a very good psychiatrist through my hospital. He helped me a lot. It is difficult dealing with treatments. I met two women undergoing similar treatments to mine. We held each other throughout. We learned to meditate and talked and cried and laughed together. I think Caring voices is a great support group. We help each other. Please let me know how you are doing. You can count on me as a friend. jennifer

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Thank you all for your kind replies. I am trying to stay strong,because I am almost finished with chemo, and the concentrating is getting a teeny bit better. I was able to watch the Olympics opening ceremony and that was an accomplishment for me to be able to sit still and enjoy it.

I have family and friends who are helping me through this and I also joined a Support group place that has different activities to help me as well.

I had two Reiki sessions and they really calm me down a lot, I feel like I may have a panic attack, but so far so good and this place also has a psychologist who gave me a few good tips and good information as well and I'm so glad that I joined Caring Voices.

Thank you

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Hi Tarry1
Thanks for keeping us posted. I am happy to hear that you are nearing the end of the chemo and you sound like you are coping better. My sister sent me a quote when I was undergoing treatment.
" courage isn't absence of fear, it is doing what it takes in spite of your fears." I think we are amongst the bravest my friend.
Support groups are a great comfort.... many of us are climbing the same mountain.
I am going to try Reiki....sounds very good
sincerely, jennifer prober

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Jenniferp,
thanks for your kind words and the quote also. I am going for bloodwork today at two so I am going to get ready to go. I really like Reiki, I get such a relaxing feeling from it, I wish I could go every day.

Thanks again, I will keep you updated.

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Hi Tarry

Sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. Most cancer centres or hospitals where you recieve treatment should have social workers or psychiatry that can help you with your distress. You can also ask to talk with your nurse. If you dont have these resources you could also try Willow Breast Cancer Services they have a 1800 number where you can talk with other breast cancer survivors on the phone. Another option is if you have employee benefits you can get counselling supports from your Employee Assistance Plan. The more supports you build the more supported hopefully you will feel. Look for a chat on Caring Voices that will help you. Its a tough go for many - so keep reaching out you will get through this difficult phase of your treatments.

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Did anyone go on the chat last night for Caregivers? I went on and saw two others but it didn't look as though anyone was chatting?

   Email me new posts to this topic.

Tarry1 - many apologies for last night's chat. It seems as if there were some technical issues that we are currently looking into. There will be another chat for caregivers on March 16 and several other opportunities to participate in chats between now and then. This forum is also a great way to connect with others. Apologies for last night and hope you will be able to join the chat in March.

   Email me new posts to this topic.