Reducing anxiety

[HoneyBadgerLady]

I've had MBC for almost 2 years now. In addition my husband has medical issues that put him in a high risk group for covid. So,it's been a tough couple of years. Nonetheless, I was dealing pretty well with the levelof anxietyI felt. Then, our dear old cat was diagnosedw with untreatable colon cancer with a life expectancy of weeks to months. My cup of anxiety is now full. It's not preventing normal day to day activities but my sleep is poor and worry levels are up. Do have any advice on how to deal with this? Meditation? Meds? I walk daily and I I have made an appointment to talk with a psychologist.

[HoneyBadgerLady]

Sorry for the typos

[Aprilfoolz1]

HoneyBadgerLady, it's a lot . I'm so sorry about your cat's cancer diagnosis, your husband's medical condition and of course your MBC. All of this is a LOT and it makes sense that the anxiety has added up to spilling over the "cup". I think it's smart that you are acknowledging this and made an appt with a psychologist . Its also great that you walk daily . Some psychologists can't prescribe medication but if you are interested in anti anxiety or anti depressants it's possible your cancer center has a psychiatrist on staff or your primary care doc can work with you on this. I have found that I have less anxiety if I focus on the present and not too much on the future . Sleep is so important. I was having issues falling asleep and I started listening to "white noise " which has made it much easier for me to get a good night sleep. I have been told that anxiety is a symptom of depression . Please know you are not alone in this , MBC can be overwhelming for sure .

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to Aprilfoolz1]

Thank you for the reply. What you say makes sense to me.

[Hazelgreen]

I hope the psychologist will help you figure out which self-help strategies work best for you. Deep focused breathing, progressive relaxation techniques, and meditative chants are all helpful once you've talked out what it is you are telling yourself that is increasing your anxiety.

Review all the ways you can help your husband avoid covid, and give yourself credit for doing so. If it is worry about finding your cat dead, perhaps you might think about asking a vet to give it a peaceful end. For yourself, think about all you've accomplished by dealing with MBC for the past two years. Look for positives in the life around you on your daily walks.

Hugs,

Cindy

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to Hazelgreen]

Thanks for the kind words. I am doing much of what you suggest. I'll try the breathingexercisesas well.

[8576]

That is a lot to deal with. Keep on doing what you are doing and I know it easy to say but don't worry about your husband. It is out of your hands anyhow. As to your pet cat you will know when it is time to take her in to the vet rather then wait till it is to late. Make a plan. That will lessen your anxiety I hope.

Cheers, June S.

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to 8576]

Thanks for the kind words.

[love2golfwell]

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this all at one time, plus your own health concerns. I think getting in touch with a therapist is a great idea. They can give you ideas for managing your anxiety. A therapist I had sent me thinks to various meditations and also suggested breathing exercises to do. They can help you with mindfulness exercises, etc. They can help with meds, too, if you want to go that route. Best wishes to you. Sending hugs.

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to love2golfwell]

Thanks. A few folks have suggested breathing exercises and similar approaches. I will give that a try.

[DDIL1]

I agree with everyone is saying. I have 4 dogs 12,10, 7, 5 yrs old two cats 13 yrs old. I love them dearly. I understand your anxiety with the thought of losing your pet who is more like a family member. Sounds like your husband who is high risk /COVID should be very careful and I’m sure you all mask up and and all you can do is practice safety. I’m so sorry about your cat. Hopefully the psychologist you’ll see prescribe something to take the edge off. I’m a terrible sleeper. I did get Ambien only used it once.. didn’t work, but Lorazepam does.. I use it sparingly. Walking is very good ! I hope you find the right solution for you. ❤️

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to DDIL1]

We have been very careful, mostly staying home other than outdoor walks. We are retired, so this is practical. I do talk with friends on the phone and online but we completely avoid gatherings. This helps him be safer but the semi-isolation adds to my sadness. But what must be done, must be done.

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to HoneyBadgerLady]

And of course we go to doctor, dentist and veternarian ppointments

[fancydog]

First I want you to know that I love your user name, gave me a giggle! MBC alone is enough to create anxiety then add some other issues and if your human anxiety is a nl reaction. I'm now almost 8 yrs into this journey and have had an increase in anxiety until I got angry about how much the anxiety was affecting my QOL! I was already doing most of the above noted activities. I have reentered counseling at my Ca ctr which is free. I have an established Psychiatrist who ordered an antianxiety med called Buspar that I am to take daily whether I feel I need it or not. I have a group of ladies at my church who pray for me and I educated them about MBC and they now understand the disease and that while I am NED by recent scans, I still must remain in tx. I required help sleeping even before MBC so I take Ambien every night. I am a chronic insomniac so after much lecturing from the Psychiatrist he convinced me that a decent night's sleep was one of the healthiest things I could do for myself! Losing a fur baby is hard and allow yourself to grieve this is nl.

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to fancydog]

Glad you are NED! I will ask about Ambien etc.

[rememberthegroup]

I've struggled with anxiety for years! Here are some tips. I don't meditate but find help in doing things to interrupt my anxious thinking. I do hot showers, walks, writing lists of things like those I am thankful for, puzzles, etc. In my bag of tricks for interrupting and calming me are certain shows on Youtube, certain authors, certain music, Of course I long ago identified the main triggers (like losing keys) and handled them with duplicates etc. and I keep watching out for new triggers. My docs don't like it but I use Alprazolam once in a while for anxiety and sleep. It works within 10-15 minutes but can be addictive. So I hope this helps you start you own list of ways to interrupt anxiety. Good luck and the blessings of serenity!

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to rememberthegroup]

Thanks for the ideas. I will try some of them.

[RLN-overcomer]

Sister,Warrior, and yesss self advocate😇. I am happy to know you are going to get help from a professional. If you have a religious affiliation, House of Worship, this too can be an avenue to help you navigate this journey you are on😀 . I hope pray you will find joy, ASAP Amen😇

[HoneyBadgerLady in reply to RLN-overcomer]

Thank