Need help with Cancerhead

It has been a while since I posted and do hope that everyone is keeping well. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers since I have returned to work.

I have a follow-up appointment with my gyn/onc on October 17th. After a TAH/BSO in May, I was dx with leiomyosarcoma ( fibroid cancer).

I am starting to have panic attacks already. How can you take your mind off this? Will I be like this for every three month appointment? HELP! I am going crazy. Any suggestions to get rid of the cancerhead?

Bigbear

I know exactly how you feel....I am a little over a year post op for endometrial ca....stage 1a....About a week or so before my appts I get into such a state...I imagine all sorts of things...and worry constantly. I think it is a normal part of this....
I am now on a 6 month follow up plan and I hope it gets better with time...

It's horrible and yes, it's normal. It will get a bit better with time. But once you've had cancer, you get those jitters at appointment time and when you get sick. More than once I've had to remind myself I still get all the "normal" stuff that others get and it isn't all cancer. It will take time but it will lessen.

Cancerhead seems to go with the territory, doesn't it? I usually can keep it under control until I'm in the doctor's office, and then my blood pressure shoots sky high, palms sweat, mouth gets dry. My doctor suggested I bring my walkman and listen to soothing music during the exam, but scootches are tricky enough without getting tangled in the headphones!

I have gotten in the habit of doing a daily meditation, maybe 40 minutes or so. I visualize myself as healthy and cancer free. I bought a CD that plays healing music, and sometimes I will use that too. I also avoid reading too much about cancer. While it is good to be informed, it is easy to scare yourself witless. And don't forget to laugh. I seek out humorous books, movies, and friends. It can keep your mind off your troubles and laughter is very healing.

And of course, you can always come here and vent. Each of us understands totally what you are going through.

I'm doing the same thing! I have an appointment on 10-15 for follow up on a CT scan that is looking for enlarged lymph nodes. I can tell I'm already crabby! I'm trying to do extra things for myself, like go to the fabric store, polish my nails, read books, etc. Things that seem to take my mind off of it.

S

I had surgery for vaginal LMS in July '02, with a metastasis discovered in Jan. '03. I've been on chemo most of this year.
Some people feel better if they have less information, while others of us like to know as much as possible so that we don't feel like we've completely lost control of our lives.
There are two online support groups for people with LMS. You can pick up the larger one by going to www.leiomyosarcoma.info/
Also, keep in mind that LMS is not really "fibroid cancer." It can occur in any soft tissue. Many people get it in their arms and legs. If it spreads, it usually goes to the lungs or liver.
The others on this thread had some great suggestions for relaxation. But if all else fails, there's nothing shameful about taking a tranquilizer, as long as you don't get addicted to them. Many people also take antidepressants.

I am wrestling with it right now. Had my followup CT scan and Chest xray on Thursday - waiting to NOT hear from my dr's office is testing me. They only call if they see something. I told them if they are going to call me, call 911 first.

It is hard to keep a good perspective. Posting helps, doesn't it?