Anxiety BC

[janeths466]

Hello everyone ,

I am 23 years old, and I have posted about my mom's BC diagnosis before. She was diagnosed in 2020 at 46 and thankfully it had not expanded to lymph nodes. It was a rare cancer she had and I guess it never spread. So far, scans have been clear since. No fam history of it. Recently in 2021 I posted about how I had a little ingrown hair kind of small rash in my nipple. It slowly went away as I worried less about it, and now it is completely gone. However, that nipple is a bit more sensitive compared to my other one. (I did shave once so I think that's what caused thos small bumps on skin) I have been okay, I think I rarely notice this unless I get too in my head about it. Now, since 2018 I have had pains in one side of the body. I don't know if this is due to my terrible anxiety. Anyway, recently I notice sometimes me having pain on one side (left) again, but my anxious self assumes it's connected to my breast. I have this burning sensation in my leg, my neck,head, and my arm area. I googled and feel convinced it is my lymph nodes, but I press and can't find lumps. I am so scared of possibly having BC and scaring my mother who is already going through dyalisis and such. I don't know what to do. This pain has been w me for years, but I am like "am i having a heart attack or is it breast cancer" because the pain can be felt near that area. However, it does radiate to my leg so im confused. i do have back problems but i doubt its a nerve. I am terrified so any words of advice would help.

[Ycats277]

I think you should make an appointment at your doctor and tell him or her everything you wrote to us , or just copy and print it and just hand it to doctor and let them read what you are feeling . Sometimes it’s easier to write it down then remember and say it ourselves since were so nervous on my go to the doctor. That is my advice to you copy and print your post, make an appointment at the doctor or the gynecologist, preferably the gynecologist and just hand him your printed version of what’s wrong with you. Start there and good luck to you. I feel you will get some relief and some questions answered from a professional 🥰

[janeths466]

i do have terrible health anxiety as well, but this time im scared. i have gone to the doctor thinking i have a brain tumor bc of this pain but i was cleared. i have convinced myself of this since i was 15. Now I am convinced again with the bc.

[janeths466 in reply to janeths466]

it's bad. i always have something to worry about. last month i had covid and fear of death...now it's this

[Hidden]

Hi Janeths466 -

Oh, gosh, my heart goes out to you!

You remind me of my daughter, just turned 24 (like two days ago!) and she also has suffered horribly from anxiety, which often manifests as anxiety for/about me and my health.

In addition the great advice you've already been given, I'd suggest that, if you're not already seeing a therapist / psychiatrist, that you make that appointment, too....

I've generally been pretty low key/low stress about my MBC....and it took me *years* to fully comprehend how it has affected my two "children". When I was originally dx'd, earlier stage, they were in their early teens...There I was doing chemo, bald, etc....this affected them greatly. When I was dx'd metastatic, they were late teens. I was very matter of fact with them because that's the way *I* felt...but it was very stressful for them!

They've both done therapy, my daughter continues, and to some degree meds. I hope you'll consider the same....It gives me great comfort to know that they're getting the help that they need...I trust that it will give your mom the same...

Sending love your way,

Lynn

[Hidden]

...Let me add that I'm so glad you're coming to this community for help...Not only do I feel honored to be able to provide possibly helpful insight (as I hope others would do for my daughter...), but *you* give me/us insight into how this disease affects the people we love. So valuable...

Please take care...

Lynn

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

....and btw....It occurred to me that, as much as I'm sure we all welcome you here, in this community, it sounds like your Mom does not have metastatic disease?

If this is true, I'm concerned that this community might take you to a worst case scenario when this is not warranted? Women who are treated for earlier stage disease generally do *very* well and their future lives are not affected....and, as unlikely as it is that you have related issues, I think it's....unproductive?....to dwell on what we, the few who get metastatic disease, are dealing with?

Again, I'm sure you're welcome here, but I would hate for you to be sort of sucked in to a mindset that is *less optimistic* than I think yours ought to be...for you and your mom...

[SabaAK]

Hi Janeth. As a person that was going through exact the same issues and still do sometimes I do promise you you don’t have any health issues,it’s all in your head. Last year after my mom’s diagnose I started to pay attention to my nipples and I’ve noticed some changes and was panicking. I had ultrasound and everything was ok,will have 3D mammogram this year cause I’ll be 40 next month. If you can ,make an appointment with therapist and psychiatries if not ask your primary doctor to prescribe you something to get a lil bit calmer. All disease start from stress and anxiety. I know it’s very difficult when you have health anxiety and I was exactly the same. Honestly Lexapro helps me a lot! Please relax,all your symptoms related to your anxiety,everything you mentioned. Take care of yourself

[jersey-jazz]

Dear little one------Adding to what has been written before me, first of all, thank you for being so honest and open with those of us on this forum. It is our privilege to be sharing your innermost thoughts and fears. We can tell you that your anxiety about your mother is probably both the cause and effect of your pain and that the pain may be all in your head. That is not helpful to you. The suggestion that you print the message that you sent to us and take it to your doctor is a good idea. Perhaps, you might want to take the same message to a therapist who can guide you through this very difficult time for you. Further, is there a member of your family or close older friend that can step up to the plate and hold your hand through all this terrible time for you? Your need for support is great and it is most certainly NOW! Please enlist all those that will help and take all the help you can get. Further, as LynnFish pointed out, we are happy to welcome you here but our group may be scarifying because we are at the penultimate point in our lives. There are other groups of cancer patients that are less so. Nevertheless, while you are with us, we hope to share some loving advice with your and to provide solace to you.

XXX OOO

[mariootsi]

Should probably see a doctor. Just to find out whats going on. But, anxiety can cause alot of problems!

[Hotlantaphatz]

Listen sister in the struggle, breast cancer is no joke. Some days you are up and some days you are down. Anxiety can get the best of us. Get to your onc if you have not already. I do understand your feelings. Take care and God bless you.

[Onedayatatime60]

Hello Like others have said worth getting checked out. Having worked in health care my entire adult life may I make one suggestion? Describe your symptoms - all of them - without saying you think it is due to anxiety. (Of course mention the anxiety as part of the over all picture to your MD). Write down the symptoms with the timeline as it is easy to forget to tell them some things.

❤️

[PJBinMI]

My own mother had cancer years before I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I was alot more anxious for her than I have been in my own cancer journey. Our mothers are such important people in our lives! I'm also glad that you reached out to us and I agree with others who have suggested seeing your own doctor and also talking with a therapist. Some therapists specialize in working with young adults, like you. Many of us have different main issues at different parts of our lives. And worry can cause physical health issues. Keep us posted about how you are doing and know that alot of us want to be here for you and are sending love and prayers for you and your mother!