Is it PTSD

[kassies1]

Hello, I recently was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy. Ever since my ordeal, I have been struggling with even the mention of the disease. I have tinnitus, heart palpitations, this morning at work I had an anxiety attack with the mention of cancer. I have never experienced anxiety or these symptoms so I am not certain if this is what I am experiencing.

[SantoRyu]

It is possible that you could be experiencing PTSD. You went through something that was traumatic, painful and difficult.

If you have concerns with whether or not you can have it...I would recommend speaking with a professional to see what they think so that way you can be accurately diagnosed and decide what to do from there.

We are always here to listen, provide guidance and advice :).

[kassies1 in reply to SantoRyu]

I appreciate your feedback. I highly suspect I do suffer from this affliction and will seek counsel. Thank you.

[fauxartist]

I'm sorry you have had to go through this, and know from being with my sister through it how it completely disrupts every aspect of your life. It's understandable to have those feelings of looming fear.....my sister is a survivor....and it was a waiting game for the first five years.....honestly...I believe this with all my heart....try and find a group that you can relate too of other women who are and have gone through this, it will help take the power out of this fear....the other thing is....I also believe it's really important to get into some positive activity such as support groups, the walks, the activity and camaraderie around others going through similar issues ....because stress and worry are not good for healing....

[kassies1 in reply to fauxartist]

You are so right. Stress and worry are the worst! I try to handle this on my own but for some reason, I am not as strong now as I was while I was going through the processes.

I have attempted to locate a support network in my area but there is not one. The only groups are miles away. That is what prompted me to join this forum. I appreciate reading the responses from others here. It is truly helpful. Thanks.

[fauxartist in reply to kassies1]

well I'm really glad you found this group and can share about what your feeling and going through....these are really good and kind people and the sharing will certainly I hope help with some of the anxiety....I am glad we can be here for you...

[b1b1b1]

I had major surgery a year ago for a totally blocked small intestine. For two days before the surgery I was in severe pain. After the surgery I was depressed and very anxious for about two months. You have also had major surgery and also a very upsetting diagnosis, and may be facing additional treatment. I think it would be abnormal if you were not upset. In your situation a psychiatrist (for medication) and a therapist would be helpful.

[kassies1 in reply to b1b1b1]

The oncologist recommended chemo but I declined. The chance of it recurring is about 8 percent without it and 5 percent with it. I would rather leave it in God’s hands than go trough the horrible side effects associated with chemo. I am concentrating on eating better and putting exercise back into my routine.

I am not a fan of medication and am struggling with the decision of getting on it for anxiety. I guess I am in denial that I could feel this way. 😔 thank you for your response.

[fauxartist]

I don't think medication is for everyone, and for some not at all. I admire and respect your decission to not do chemo as I saw the devistation it did to my sister and my dear friend, both of who had terrible odds to survive, so they felt they had no choice. Yours are very very good. I will say from my own opinion though....my sister worked out at the gym four days a week and had a good diet and supper model body and looks....and she then got breast cancer.....she was also stressed out to the max at the time trying to manage 4 little ones and a very horrible husband who was a narc. sociopath....always running her down and complainging about everything she did. ....her best chance for beating this thing was to simplify her life and get the stress level down.....so she divorced the jerk.....and took meds temporarily to get through the stress till things calmed down, she began to find herself again, and enjoyed her kids and her life more......so what I am saying is.....if you needed meds short term and therapy to get through to the other side of this fear.....it's not a bad thing.....eventually your life will get back on track.....

[kassies1 in reply to fauxartist]

Thank you so much for the uplifting comments. It is a horrible thing to be diagnosed with breast cancer especially when you are not considered a risk. I too am pretty healthy, or so I thought, until I was hit with this horrible disease. It really knocks you down and takes a toll on the body and spirit.

[fauxartist in reply to kassies1]

I know it does...and I am so sorry your having to fight this....but you will be a warrior, at some point you know you will survive and get through this....you didnt' deserve this or do anything to cause this, it's not your fault...sometimes like with my sister...it was just bad luck. The women in my family normally have heart problems.....four of them so far. We never saw this coming.

[kassies1 in reply to fauxartist]

Thank you! I will keep fighting. 🙂

[Hidden]

Sounds completely logical that you would have an anxiety attack talking about cancer. Is there a choice of psychologists available to you? If possible, a PhD, not a counselor or social worker. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy ) is a good approach for anxiety.

[gerg]

PTSD is diagnosed with some specific criteria. You may have some of the symptoms but you may not have the disorder. You have been through a very difficult time and I don’t think that it is unreasonable to feel the way that you do. I think that support is very important, find it anywhere you can. Most people have not been through anything as difficult as you have experienced, but I think that they do try to understand. Support from others who have fought a similar battle may be the best thing that you could do. I would think that there are online groups for that. You may want to accept support from this group until you feel ready to take that step. I’m sure that your experiences can help others here too. I think that talking about how you are feeling is great medicine. I honor your courage and strength, thank you for posting.

[kassies1 in reply to gerg]

Thank you gerg. I feel better just writing and reading and responding to everyone who has commented on my post. My courage has definitely been tested. But I gather strength from people like you and others in this forum who provide uplifting dialogue.

[Fluffy44]

I have had breast cancer in both breast at different. Did mastectomy with reconstruction. It takes a lot of your time an energy for with all the new meds out there it is curable. I’m also 5 yrs clear on the second breast. Had two rounds of cemo and radiation. I survived and so can you!!

Linda

[fauxartist in reply to Fluffy44]

You’re strong and a warrior Linda....the one thing I remember so clearly about my sister first coming to terms with being sick was when she said she never felt sick after being diagnosed. Then it struck her when she looked in the mirror while she was getting ready for the annual run for breast cancer support. She said it didn't sink in that she had breast cancer till she was putting on a pink shirt now instead of a white one. Before that she always wore a white one for being supportive.

[kassies1 in reply to Fluffy44]

Thank you! I will indeed!