8 weeks post Ivor Lewis anxiety

[Valeriejane15]

Hi all

Had my op nearly 8 weeks ago and am about to have second round of post op ECX. 50 nodes removed. Histology showed 9 positive and cancer in the margins of the tumour. Am struggling with anxiety - I almost feel like I am back at the beginning again. Not much of an appetite and a lot of heaving since chemo started. Anyone got any advice as to how to cope with this phase? Don't want to live with the constant anxiety. Am taking citalopram which helped pre op, but struggling now. Intend to go to OPA group in July (in Nottingham).

[NatChap]

Hi, I can't advise you on dealing with chemo as I only joined this group because my Dad has cancer. However I can recommend drinking Holy Basil tea to help with anxiety. If you Google it there seem to be no reason why you can't use it whilst having chemo in fact it is supposed to have beneficial effects with some types. Perhaps check with your nurse first but when I get anxiety I find about 3 cups a day really help, it also aids sleep. X

[Valeriejane15 in reply to NatChap]

Thank you - have never heard of it, will seek it out. X

[NatChap in reply to Valeriejane15]

Neither had I and tbh I can't stand herbal teas but I am a member of the ThyroidUK group on here and it was recommended to me. Still not keen on the taste but I figure if it works i can put up with it

Like Amy says, there are lots of positive and helpful comments on some of her posts. I can't imagine how difficult it is for you and all of the other patients on here..my Dad amazes me every day how calm and positive he is, even now 2 days before his op!

Stay strong and take comfort in the fact that there are so many folk on here who have been where you are now and come through it successfully xxx

[Amycaz]

Hi Valerie, your story sounds familiar.

My Dad is 6 weeks post op, he had 45 lymph nodes removed and 5 were positive, his tumour was also close to the margin.

My Dad is very nervous about restarting chemo, but if you have a look at my previous post on here I have had some extremely positive replies.

Hope all goes well.

Amy x

[Valeriejane15 in reply to Amycaz]

Hi Amy, tell your dad to remember how the chemo makes you feel emotionally. I know that it altered my mood pre op and try to remember that now. It's not just physical side effects. X

[Amycaz in reply to Valeriejane15]

I'm trying to be positive for him, so I probably won't remind him of that aswell

We just take one day at a time, that's the only way for us.

Amy xx

[Valeriejane15]

Best wishes to both your dad's and Nat, just tell your dad to go with it and do everything they tell him to do. Tell him not to push himself too hard early on. Rest and distract. Xx

[NatChap in reply to Valeriejane15]

Thank you He's quite positive about the op', looking at it like a challenge! i think telling him not to push himself will fall on deaf ears mind you

I do hope your treatment goes well and you manage to get a handle on the anxiety x

[lynnbibb]

Hi Valeriejane,

Similar here too as my OH had Ivor Lewis 6 months ago and had hoped to be further along the line than he is.

We guess that everything connected to this wretched disease takes it's toll and leaves with almost a type of post traumatic stress so kind of normal in a way.

If all else fails, try keeping a diary and make notes of the nice things that happen as well as the not so nice, then you can sometimes see how far you are actually coming ( if that makes sense!!)

Good luck with your journey,

Lynn and Dave x