[MJo]

I went to pieces for a few months after my diagnosis. The Adriamycin chemotherapy I took affected my brain--I felt like I was asleep while I was awake! Plus I had the tremendous anxiety and fear that a cancer diagnosis brings. I personally needed chemical help -- I started Lexapro and used Xanax. I had a much easier time with the chemo drug taxol. About six months into treatment, someone told me: "Don't think about your cancer. You'll have a breakdown." I told them "I've already had a breakdown, and I've come through it." You will make it through the insane feelings.