Still anxious after 19 years

[Hopchop]

I am 73 years old and was diagnosed 19 years ago. I went through 6 months chemo, tamoxifin for 5 years femara for 5 years and now am ob nothing. I am wondering if it is normal after so many years to worry about reoccurrence? Claudia

[BklynCatwoman]

Claudia, I think we're always going to worry, it's natural after what we've been through. For me, its almost 4 years. I know from a facilitator of one of our SHARE groups who's been cancer-free for 26 years, that she still worries when she goes for a mammogram or checkup. I think the difference is that if the worry consumes you and affects your day-to-day life. That probably isn't "normal" and is probably a good time to seek more support.

[mrsschwartz SHARE Volunteer]

Hopchop: "normal" or not, many/most women treated for breast cancer continue to feel stress and worry, some for many years after diagnosis. One of the most difficult things about this disease is its potential to return, although for most women -thankfully-it will not. But, for you, with no evidence of disease for so long, I would hope that your anxiety pays you visits only rarely! Words of advice: there are ways to process and work through occasional anxiety: yoga, meditation, therapy,even physical exercise.....find things that make you happy and stay engaged. Connecting with others as you have done here may be helpful too. Realize that, yes, your thoughts are " normal," but seek help if your quality of life is compromised. We'd hope you can enjoy your very good outcome and the years stretched out ahead.

[RLN-overcomer]

Sister/ultimate Warrior you are an over-comer almost two decades. Don't worry about the things you have no control over,continue to enjoy your journey.There are women who are not here who would love to have 1 more day,1 more week1 more,month or year with loved ones.There are children in Saint Judes Research Hospital,where their loved ones are praying for just one more day,week,month and ultimately years of milestones to see their children grow to enjoy.I pray that God will give you peace.

[Hidden]

I would speak to your oncologist about Aromosin or Arimidex. I'm probably going to worry about recurrence for the rest of my life.

[Hopchop in reply to Hidden]

I was on that but my oncologist has agreed with me that at this point after taking so many drugs a vigorous exercise program might be more beneficial. I go to the gym three times a week, keep a low body weight and almost refrain from alcohol.

[IGotSunshine]

Dear HopChop, I think of anxiety as an extreme form of vigilance. And I'm guessing it was vigilance that got you diagnosed and treated in the first place. So you're smart to maintain a healthy level. But I wonder if there is some way to channel it in a positive way: keeping appointments for regular checkups; and between checkups, keeping a notebook and writing down any physical symptoms that are giving you anxiety, including when they started and how long they lasted. By writing down your anxieties and monitoring them, you may feel more in control, and you won't feel the need to rehearse them mentally. Plus you'll be able to report your symptoms accurately and without fall-through when you see your doctor. Good luck!

[TinaLund]

Claudia, I agree with the comments that it is normal to worry about recurrence as long as it's occasional. I have 2 friends who are 12 and 15 years out who had stage 0 and they think about it. My feeling is that it's always going to be there, regardless of stage or treatment. It's what you do with that thought that makes the difference. For example, continuing your follow-up plan, maintaining healthy habits and "listening" to your body are positive actions. I used to tell my mom that whenever she started to worry she should say a prayer. I try to follow that too. Tina

[Hopchop]

Thanks Tina. Good advice!