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Dear Myra:
Hi and welcome, and no, no, you are not the only one to experience this. I would guess that all or most of us have gone through it (my doc referrred to it as post traumatic stress.) It's not easy to go through the door that is facing a serious and frightening illness. However, I think most of us will also tell you that time really helps. You WILL get your old self back. I'm convinced that the side effects of the treatments also magnify the emotional wallup. And sometimes at first you build up a kind of battle strength to cope with the dx and early treatment. Once that is done, the reality of how scared you are begins to sink in. I think therapy can help. Some people use anti anxiety drugs (careful though -- they can be hard to get off of, especially when used for sleep) Exercise helps, gradually reclaiming your body again! Family and friends, of course. Work. Doing the things you love. Massage, acupuncture, etc, whatever makes you feel stronger, calmer, more like the old you. The old you is still there, it just takes a little time for her to emerge again. You are through the worst.
This board can help, too. You are not alone.
Linda
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