mammo anxiety

[frustratedrg]

Im going for my annual mammo/ultrasound tomorrow.  Have had such severe anxiety for the last couple of days. Had BC  a while ago but the fears are just all consuming!!!!! Any words of encouragement are welcome; starting to feel that I want to cancel appt.!!!!!!

[frustratedrg]

Thank you for your help, and all the best to you too!!!

[zouzi]

Wonderful news!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so happy for you!!
Wishing you continuing good health and happiness. :)

[frustratedrg]

Kept the appointment and ALL IS WELL!!!!  I did get a little more than nervous though when more pictures were taken on one side only and same thing with the U/S; much more concentration on that same side!!!!!! BUT.tech came back in several minutes later and said EVERYTHING IS FINE!!!!!  What a relief.  So I thank you guys for the support. This is where I go when I need answers or just to vent and Im glad you are all here for that!!! :)

[japdip]

I also remember you .... and the fact that you were much stronger than you thought you could ever be at that time. The mere thought of you cancelling your appointment really shocks me !!! Think back and try to remember all the things you did and all the fears you conquered back then ..... You came through much more than a simple Mammogram ... Come on now, you can do this; we certainly know you can and so do you. Just think, if you don't have your Mammogram you're going to have both "zouzi" and "me" to deal with .... the next thing we hear from you better be "I did it" !!!! Seriously now ... push those fears to the back of your mind where they belong and get this job done .. :) We'll be waiting .......

[frustratedrg]

:) xo

[zouzi]

Hi there,
I remember you quite well,and I just wanted to add that you are certainly not alone feeling the way you do.Anxiety is something we all experience ,when the times comes to have our annual screening tests...This is a normal reaction whether we had BC in the past or not.
I had breast cancer 5 years ago,and every year my fears lessen,because I now have a more positive attitude by thinking that I shouldn't worry,when there is nothing to worry about before having my test done.Quite the contrary I am thankful to my Surgeon who orders my annual Mammograms to make sure my breast are healthy.
Try to relax and dwell on positive thoughts, if things went well last year,then most probably it will be the same this year also.
Be strong!! and best of luck to you.  :)

[frustratedrg]

Thank you sooo much for the positive response! That is EXACTLY what I needed!!!!  I will try to get through the night and HOPE for the BEST.

[Cheerpul]

I had bc in 2009 with surgery and chemo and have been cancer free since then.  I have many health souvenirs of that illness and treatment including lymphedema and neuropathy.  
It is better to look at all your positives to combat anxiety.  You bc is behind you and past.  Look at your annual exams as affirmation of your recovered health.   Presumably you caught your previous bc early because you are alert and proactive in your healthcare.  Regular screening is part of that positive care.  Look at your appointment logically.  What would you gain if you cancelled it?  More uncertainty.  What do you gain if you keep the app't?  If it us negative, you get relief and joy .  If it would show something suspicious, you will get it thoroughly checked out and it may be negative. You get relief and joy.  If it showed a bc recurrence, you would likely be catching it early because of your regular screening.  You would have more treatment options and more likely hood of positive result of treatment.

So to me it looks like you  have the best choices by keeping your appointment.  The other point is that you cannot choose what happens to you but you can choose how you let it affect your life.  Don't give in to the worry and let the"what-ifs" steal your energy and peace of mind.  Live every day  and do what you need to do, what you want to do.  Enjoy the big and little things in your life.  Fill your life with joy and appreciation and worry will lose its power.

I will be praying for you.  Shellee