[Barbara2]

My panic attacks started about 20 years before breast cancer. Gradually through the years I learned to cope, but never did take meds or get professional help. My family physician have me Zanix to use when needed and I tried not to use them much because they are addictive.

After breast cancer, the panic and anxieties went on the back burner. They no longer seemed to have much importance because I was dealing with something much larger now. For me, part of the anxiety attack was fear of embarrasment while having the attack. But after cancer, I really didn't care any more what anyone thought. I have bigger fish to fry now.

I have always been a worrier, though, and that will never go away.

Be cautious of the Ativan. I took it for sleeping for about a year and a half (1mg nightly) and became addicted. The fatigue from the addiction was horrible. After gradually weaning myself off the Ativan, I felt much better.