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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 12:57:27
My anxiety is coming back again. I have a problem with an obsessive worry about my health. I had a soft tissue sarcoma (cancer) in my leg 11 years ago - I am cured but am going for my yearly checkup on Monday - I still get afraid. Any little medical symptom I have I assume is something deadly and have a panic attack. Does anyone share this same problem? I think I am feeling extra anxious because of the checkup. Help
Mary
Posted by Wildflower on October 17, 2003, at 13:08:18
In reply to Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 12:57:27
Hi Mary.
I'm sorry that I don't have much to offer as far as avoiding the attacks. Just know that you are not alone. It is perfectly normal that you are anxious about your upcoming visit. I can only imagine how scary the cancer was for you.
Have you considered an anti-anxiety medication?
Posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 13:14:57
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by Wildflower on October 17, 2003, at 13:08:18
I am taking klonopin - makes me like a zombie but at least it helps with the attacks. I try not to take it unless I am feeling bad. So I took some at work now and I am definitely slowwwwwwing down. I better add some coffee.
Thanks for answering my message. It just helps to know people are hear. Sometimes the fear gets the best of me.
Posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 13:18:21
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 13:14:57
It's difficult because anytime I have an ache or pain somewhere else I automatically feel like because I had cancer once it must be cancer someplace else. I know this is not logical and I have to get over it but I have such a fear of doctors. I know I am rambling because I am in a bad frame of mind. I don't always feel like this but today I do......
Posted by Wildflower on October 17, 2003, at 14:04:41
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 13:18:21
There are many people who are afraid of doctors and I'm one of them. When they call my name from the waiting room, I always have a panic attack. This, of course, is after I talk myself into getting out of the car into the office. For me, the anticipation of going is almost always worse then the actual visit.
I've never had cancer but I've had a few close calls. As my doctor put it, "just because you have a headache, don't assume that it's a tumor" -I wasn't being treated for headaches but I got the point. He said that by worrying, it may have an adverse affect on my health.
As hard as it might be, try to stay calm and have a good weekend. This might sound harsh (I aplogize) but worrying now will not affect the outcome of your visit. It will only consume the days prior to your visit that could otherwise be filled with things you enjoy doing. Might a suggest going to get a manicure, pedicure or massage prior to your visit?
Let me know how it goes. I'll be rooting for you!
Posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 14:53:34
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by Wildflower on October 17, 2003, at 14:04:41
Thanks Wildflower, I will let you know. I won't be back on this board until Tuesday as I am driving back to my hometown where I originally had the surgery.
I will enjoy my weekend. My fiance will finally see where I grew up!
Mary
Posted by T_R_D on October 17, 2003, at 15:55:04
In reply to Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 12:57:27
Try to think positive thoughts no matter how hard that might be.
Are you taking someone with you to the appointment? That can be a great help to get you through it.
Good luck and be strong...with all that you're already been through you're a survivor!!! Believe it :)
Take care,
Karen
Posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 16:01:45
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by T_R_D on October 17, 2003, at 15:55:04
Thanks Karen :),
I am taking my mother and fiance. They always check my leg and than do a chest x-ray to make sure there is no metastisis, has always been fine, going there just brings back the memories. I was misdiagnosed by my first doctor - now I go to this wonderful doc once a year. I will be fine :O). Thanks for the support. My klonapin has kicked in so I am feeling more positive lol.
Mary
Posted by Liligoth on October 18, 2003, at 6:45:00
In reply to Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 12:57:27
yes I am always convinced I have cancer; of which part of my body varies with the wind. I have never had any cancer, I put it down to ocd stuff.
I hope you are ok - I will think of you
Posted by kara lynne on October 18, 2003, at 21:55:49
In reply to Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 17, 2003, at 12:57:27
Hi oeps,
I can certainly understand why your anxiety is up. My mother had exactly the same kind of cancer you did, in her thigh. It's not all that common as I understand it, and you both endured and came through. She had a support group on line (for people dealing with sarcoma) which she said was very helpful---I can find out the name of it for you if you like. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well.
Posted by oeps7 on October 21, 2003, at 8:05:51
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by kara lynne on October 18, 2003, at 21:55:49
Good news. My checkup went well. My leg is fine and my lungs are clear. Thanks all of you who were supportive it helped me to sound off on this board. Even though it has been so long that I have had the cancer, it is always a reminder when I am walking in those hospital doors for my checkup.
Have a great day! Kara Lynne - I would be interested in knowing the group your mother talks to - Is it Sarcoma Alliance?
Thanks everyone!
Mary
Posted by Wildflower on October 21, 2003, at 8:21:10
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 21, 2003, at 8:05:51
Posted by Dinah on October 21, 2003, at 16:22:58
In reply to Re: Feeling Scared, posted by oeps7 on October 21, 2003, at 8:05:51
This is the end of the thread.
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