Does the anxious feeling ever leave

Pam P · 12-06-2009, 06:17 AM

Mary Anne - what a beautiful response, lovely, thoughtful, and so true.

Dawn - I can't say anything more heartfelt than what MA wrote - only to add "Amen" to what she said.

For me that anxious feeling definitely has gotten easier. In the beginnning it was all consuming - like you describe for yourself. Do whatever you need to do as hard as it is to break through it. Talk to a counselor, friends,support group, whoever can help you voice the fears and to help put some of the anxiety into perspective. Talk to the dr about anti-depressents to help. Get out of bed, get out the door, stay engaged with what brings you happiness and life today. Then TRUST. You have a plan, a trt to manage this met, you are in good health, and have good care. As the months go by the anxiety may still be there, but consumes less of your day and energy. As the years go by you realize you are living with cancer, as a cancer survivor and life is good. One day at a time, one step at a time... What you are feeling is normal. Accept the feelings, let them out and let them go. Meditation helps me.... find what's helpful for you. Then allow yourself to relax and accept calm and joy and life happening right now. Now I'm rambling... just keep hugging the kids, enjoying each day, and living life.

Sheila · 12-06-2009, 06:48 AM

Dawn
Yes, the anxious feeling is not so overwhelming now, but as you can see in our posts, it still revisits us at scan time, or when something unusual happens.

After the initial shock of diagnosis, i have always tried to stay focused on the positive....not the why me, but why not me? I have learned to use this disease as a second chance, I know whats important....and I take advantage of each day....when i was told i was stage IV, back in 2003, I thought I was near the end....well, guess what, here in 2009, I am still fighting, still on treatment, but still alive. People tell me often that I look so healthy....my reply to them is, if it wasnt for the damn cancer, I would be healthy.

If you arent already in a local support group, seek one out....others here and in aa support group can help you get through the anxiousness.....try to start living again, and focus on your children, and all your blessings...there are days when i forget about cancer...and its wonderful!

caya · 12-06-2009, 10:05 AM

Dawn,

I echo what eveyone has said. Although I am not stage IV, I still worry, it's always in the back of my mind.

If you feel you might need anti-anxiety meds, don't be shy about speaking to your onc. or GP about this. Many of us are taking some form of this medication, it's been a great help to me.

all the best
caya