Scared

[Iamhealthy123]

Have stage 4 breast cancer which has spread to both lungs and have mental health problems as well..

Question is worried that Maybe having a psychoctic episode with all the stress

[Homely2]

Personally I need to do something when under lots of stress.

For me I like to draw, I spent sometime in hospital going from asthma attack to attack, which is frightening. I handled it by drawing everything in the ward.

So I would find something to keep your mind busy doing something you like, live in the present.

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Homely2]

Gosh that does sound scary .

Don't know what I like anymore

[sassy59]

Welcome to the forum lamhealthy123, my heart goes out to you. Do you have any help or support for your mental health issues? I do hope so. It must be frightening to have so much going on.

I’ve had endometrial cancer and am going through radiotherapy at the moment and I know I’m luckier than some.

Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Xx🩷

[Ern007]

Hi Iamhealthy123.

It is no wonder you are stressed and worried.

What I think you are feeling is fear and that is natural. Does not follow you will have a "psychoctic episode"

I can imagine how you are feeling - I have a high grade aggressive cancer and sometimes feel so low. How I deal with it is to do something I like. Please check out'Macmillan Cancer Support' they are experts on how people feel with cancer.

Please get some help.

macmillan.org.uk/

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Ern007]

It's just I had a psychotic episode in the past

[Ern007 in reply to Iamhealthy123]

That is why you are scared now, I would be.

You have enough to put up with without more worry. I think maybe your GP might help with something to ease your mind.

You are suffering at the moment more so with an event that might not happen - Get some medication from you GP and try and find something you like to fill your mind.

Take care and try and get some help.

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Ern007]

Thank you so much for you help and support I'm just paranoid I will be sent to a mental hospital

[Ern007 in reply to Iamhealthy123]

Your welcome. I can see where you are coming from, you would have to be in a very bad way to be sectioned - If you do feel any worse ask you GP for help.

Fear can be overwhelming so don't keep living on the edge.

Take care and open up anytime but again, please get some help from your doctor .

[knitter]

I can understand your fear , but please contact your GP practice now , tell them how you feel .

If you can’t speak to someone ring 111 .

This site ALUK have a helpline open during office hours on 0300 222 5800.

Mind information contact number 0300 123 3393

Take care

[CDPO16]

Hi and welcome lamhealthy. In your situation I would be frightened too but as long as you are aware of your situation I doubt that you will have a psychotic episode. As has already been suggested, get in touch with Macmillan cancer support and talk through how you feel with them. You should get a lot of support from such a service. Of course, we are here too and will help all we can . Best wishes to you xx

[Donald_1931]

Animals are great stress relievers. Read about them, watch images of them, borrow one, adopt one. Cat, dog, bird. mouse, fly, all will have the same effect if you give them your full attention. Just another of my nutty ideas. 😉

[Patk1 in reply to Donald_1931]

Great idea Don x

[djbctla in reply to Donald_1931]

Yes great idea Don

[Ern007 in reply to Donald_1931]

I used to have tropical fish - They where very calming. Good idea Donald.

[Donald_1931 in reply to Ern007]

Yes I remember doctors and dentists used to have them in waiting rooms for that reason.

[Hellodolly]

So sorry to hear about what you are going through.

Of course you are stressed and afraid. As others have said, that doesn’t mean you will move into psychosis, even if you once did before. And, even if you did, home treatment teams mean that you might not have to go into hospital.

The main thing is to talk to someone about your fears, and you have been given some good suggestions. Some cancer centres have Maggie’s centres attached, where you can go and chat to people and get informal support.

And as others have suggested, activities to distract you are useful.

Take care and come back and tell us how you are doing.

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Hellodolly]

I do have trouble looking after myself as well I find it difficult to cook as I'm not sleeping and so really knackered

[Hellodolly in reply to Iamhealthy123]

Keep food simple and nutritious. Tinned foods such as beans on toast can work well and are quick and easy. If you like them, snack on nuts and seeds to keep your energy up. It doesn’t have to be elaborate meals.

Sleeping is crucial as without it we feel extra weird. Do talk to your GP about that.

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Hellodolly]

Thank you so much have you any ideas on some easy main meals

[JetJet in reply to Iamhealthy123]

If you are too tired to cook just do simple things that you fancy, little and often. Omelette or jacket studs are warm and comforting and put in them whatever you fancy. Chopped fruit with ice cream and nuts or Greek yoghurt with honey. Things that are easy to make but will give you some energy and goodness.

I haven't used them but a friend swears by something called the Calm App? It helps her to relax and fall asleep. You basically listen to someone telling you a story or taking you on a journey. I know from looking after my Mum that lack of sleep isn't good for mind or body.

Take Care

[hypercat54 in reply to Iamhealthy123]

Hi I am so sorry to hear this and agree with the others that it is very scary. I think any of us would feel like you.

Just a thought but there are plenty of microwave meals you can just bung in which are very quick and easy to so. Ok they aren't the healthiest but they are better than nothing if not used all the time.

I have mobility issues so when I go to Farm Foods I pick up some of their meals in a bag. They just go in the microwave for 7 minutes and are tasty. They are 3 for £6. Could be worth looking at?

[Hellodolly in reply to Iamhealthy123]

Hi there

Cheese on toast, Jacket potato with beans/tuna, Frozen vegetables done as a stir fry , Sardines on toast., noodles with veg and chicken. These all provide protein and carbs. Buy any fruit you like (even frozen) and eat with greek yoghourt. Buy tins of black beans/white. beans and put french dressing on them to make a bean salad which is super nutritious. Add cherry tomatoes to anything for health benefits.

And as I said, if you like them, nuts are also super nutritious. Macadamia, almonds, walnuts / all really good for you and packed with energy to keep you going.

I hope you are feeling better today. Also, stay hydrated as that can impact mental health.

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Hellodolly]

Thank you so much for your advice

[Thepainterswife in reply to Iamhealthy123]

Please , please try to eat ! I lost my husband in April , I had been his carer for many years and was stressed to the Max by the time he died , but we both worked hard at staying positive and so when he did die I was determined to get on with life . For the first two months everything went really well but what I didn’t even realise was that I just wasn’t eating , it sounds really stupid but without even knowing it I was making myself really poorly . Through June and July i I had days where I would just crash with exhaustion and eventually things got so bad I had to speak with the GP. It turns out I now have anaemia ! I’m currently having test to determine why my blood count is low but the chances are it’s malnutrition! I can’t believe I’ve done this to myself but my point is you can’t deal with mental stress if you’re not keeping your strength up . I’m 70 and never in my life experienced exhaustion like I have in recent months , it’s so debilitating! Despite the exhaustion, sleeping at night becomes difficult and so it becomes a vicious circle . Over the past six weeks I have forced myself to eat properly and the exhaustion has gone 😃 I’m not back to full strength but I’m getting there and I feel I’m in a much better frame of mind to deal with stuff. Do as others have advised get all the help you can from GP’s , nurses , support groups etc but also take control of what you can and I guarantee you’ll feel stronger and more able to cope . Sending love and healing thoughts 🙏 Val xx

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Val thanks so much for your reply I'm not a cook and because I'm so tired can't even think of cooking I've tried meals on wheels but they are awful do you know any simple meals I can make.

[Thepainterswife in reply to Iamhealthy123]

My Gp told me to have fortified cereals ie Weetabix, Shredded Wheat or porridge so at first I was having those twice a day ( morning and evening) with eggs , cheese , baked beans , seeded bread toast , topped with tinned tuna, , mackerel or tinned tomatoes in between After a couple of weeks I began to enjoy food again and on good days I’d make more of an effort maybe some battered fish with mushy peas and frozen chips I also changed my routine so instead of having a main meal at tea time I’d have it earlier in the day when I had more energy. Also there’s nothing wrong with the occasional frozen ready meal or pies , any food is better than not eating . I’ve always been very particularly about my nutrition , don’t eat meat , organic veg when possible etc but to be honest right now I’ll have anything that gives me energy . My treats this week have been a large trifle and a multi pack of snickers 😂 Just do what you can when you can , don’t feel guilty for using an easy option but try to incorporate some good stuff when you feel up to it . I promise it gets easier and you’ll feel so much better both mentally and physically very quickly 😊xx

[Iamhealthy123 in reply to Thepainterswife]

I'm living on ready meals at the moment Val and don't seem to treat myself it's as if I can't seem to think straight anymore but thank you so much for helping it's so encouraging

[Thepainterswife in reply to Iamhealthy123]

Don’t give up !!! Most people comes here in desperation for all sorts of reasons but we mostly learn to cope with everything with the support , friendship and advice on here 😊 xx

[FeatherHG33 in reply to Iamhealthy123]

I understand the cooking difficulties. My lunch was fairly easy for me to make.I had toast,scrambled egg( with butter) and fresh plums.I have a plastic box containg nuts and raisins to dip into and a bag of crisps. I was told by a dietitian that its more important to eat something than worry about what you are actually eating.

[Mellywelly]

I am so sorry for your predicament, talking to others as you are now would help but I am no expert by a long shot. Surely they have given you people to talk to face to face. Please keep posting and tell us how you are doing 🙂 🙏

[Iamhealthy123]

Only my cancer nurse

[Bingo88]

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and all that you are going through. You are probably still in shock at what you have been told. Medical problems do upset our thinking and way of life. You have been given some great advice already and we are a very supportive group and will be here if you need to chat. Hope you have a better day. Brian

[Souielouie]

Bless you 🥰 sending you a Big Warm hug 🤗 xx

[watergazer]

hi and welcome Iamhealthy123. You have a lot to deal with I find that doing jigsaws or walking or manipulating playdo helps me to de stress. My husband crochets and at the moment is addicted to the rubics cube. These activities don’t take away our health issues but give moments of relaxation Take care. Talking on here certainly helps too xx

[FeatherHG33 in reply to watergazer]

So impressed by your husband! I can knit but have never been able to crochet!

[watergazer in reply to FeatherHG33]

He learnt as a child I think. I prefer to sew

[Kiki3233]

Thinking of you 😘

[Germantara]

It is understandable that you're feelin that way but you need contactable g p and mc midlands nurses my freind had cancer both breasts and liver and kidneys and also gone to her brain like you're self she was deverstated but mc millan helped her in counselling and explained everything and she now more contented and copes alot better she was pleased for the help there's no need for you to face it alone

[Nicholatracy]

Welcome…….staying busy is key for me in addition to exercise. Has the Dr. Prescribed something to help calm you. Sharing your worries and thoughts also helps. Please stay strong 🐞🐞

[spiriva1127]

Thinking of you and praying for calm and peace.

[Debs_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

Hello and I am sorry to read about what is happening. Some excellent advice on here but do contact you health care provider as soon as you can, you may need a review with your GP or medication. Dont struggle on your own.

asthmaandlung.org.uk/helpline

We are here if you need us Mon- Fri 9.15 -5pm

[TheOldBoy]

Firstly, I cannot offer any professional advice only that from one human being to another and wish you all the best at this difficult time. As others have said, good food, good company and healthy distractions can all be good medicine. Any reaction is understandable and reasonable given the circumstances… Be easy on yourself, focusing on the past can lead to depression and on the future can make you anxious, be present here and now as much as you can. Sometimes it can be good to stand back and observe our reactions rather than be swept away with them. Do whatever you need to do regardless of anyone or anything…

Best wishes and take care, Adam

[knitter]

maybe your health professional can prescribe Fortisip small drinks .

I was given them in hospital , but very expensive to buy .

[GDanker]

I'm very sorry to hear that you are going through this. Do you have a mental health professional that you can talk to? It seems to me that you need something to calm you down. Perhaps you are experiencing panic attacks or have other mental health issues. I think that under the circumstances, you need something like Xanax. Of course, that is why you need to talk to someone who is familiar with your total health situation. You need a calmed mind to better be able to cope with your situation and help with your overall health and comfort!

We are all different in how we cope with our health issues, but what helps me is reading good, uplifting books, a nourishing, healthy diet, and I try to stay away from things that are negative and anxiety causing. . Rest, keep your mind in the present day and try to find enjoyment in the little things that we often overlook. Try to be at peace with yourself. Faith helps me because I know that this is not all there is. Not everyone agrees with that, and I don't push it on anyone.

By all means, get a small aquarium if you can afford it and some lovely fish to meditate on. That's one of the best ideas I've read here today, and think of all the people here who are wishing you well and sending good thoughts your way!

[swimmer]

Sending you lots of love. Are you able to do something/anything to take your mind off the huge challenges you are facing?

As facile as it may seem, colouring in books for adults are hugely calming. Homely2 has posted similar advice as art/colouring requires present moment focus and gives blessed respite from fear and sadness. Share with family and friends how you are feeling as well as the medics. xxx

[Alberta56]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I think you've taken the first step in talking to us about your worries. I agree with COPD that you do not sound the least psychotic- not that I'm qualified in any way. I hope some of the advice you've had on here will help. Please stay in touch.

[Pugs4love]

I'm sorry to hear that I had my breast removed through cancer to mus stay strong and think positive my heart is with you 💓 Diane xx