My Mind Feels Like a Busy Squirrel

Do you mean anxiety? Yes. I can stop it most of the time but still get some. Diagnosed 8/24

Yes, I can't concentrate or finish anything!

Yes! I was diagnosed on 7/1/25 also!

I knew my results were going to be positive... They came in June 27th. I have severe trouble sleeping now and while I am trying to quit, I picked up the terrible habit of smoking cigarettes (1-2, some days, but not everyday) over the last 3 months. Anxiety, from the moment they said I needed a second mammogram

I panicked after the second mammogram when the radiologist said i needed a biopsy. I think the panic naturally eases up somewhat if you have a decent prognosis. Try to force yourself to think only as far ahead as you have to, like what do i need to do to get thru radiation, when do i need to schedule my next oncologist or mammogram appointment. DON’T let yourself think about what will I need to do if I have a recurrence in 10 years. Exercise helps me sleep but i had problems with that before i was diagnosed. If you continue to have high levels of anxiety, talk with one of your doctors about it.

Also, talk to your closest, most trusted friend about your feelings. But limit how much you mention or talk about with others. Personally, I don’t want to talk about my diagnosis with anyone who is going to give me advice about how much tofu i should or shouldn’t eat or who is going to treat me as fragile or give me their theory on why i got cancer, etc. i also don’t want to talk about it with anyone who is not going to acknowledge how frightening and life changing the diagnosis is. I end the conversation if i detect any of this.

K.B, exactly this!!!!!!!!

I started to develop anxiety issues at night ironically a few months before my diagnosis in May of 2024. It has decreased since my diagnosis, even though I of course had some episodes during diagnosis and planning. My PCP and I honestly think it was my body telling me that something was wrong. Use your family and friends to talk to. Also, talk to your oncologist about the integrative medicine options that are available to you. The can help asses and provide treatment options like meditation, yoga, etc. that can be helpful with this.

Kelly and everyone. Can relate. My anxiety and irritability is through the roof. Lack of joy or feel a dark cloud following me. I’m not severely depressed but going through it mostly alone. Diagnosed DCIS Stage 0, grade 3. June 26. I was shocked! Literally fell off the chair. My mental health hasn’t been the same. although my specific cancer prognosis “looks good” Drs encouraging; I found the best surgeon and so great as the first one I didn’t like. When it happens to you ; you can’t help but think why me? What did I do wrong? And others say well if you have cancer this is the “best one to get” No cancer is the best! I feel alone and confused with daily functioning. Going through motions. I have a surgery date and maybe radiation after. The squirrel running through my head is like one day or one hour or one minute I’m doing well feel positive then next I’m on the floor in a puddle of tears. Reflecting on the past; negative things in my life and then seeing and believing in a positive future. It’s mind blowing the ups and down

Exactly what i have experienced

DCIS0 also no chemo by 20 radiations later I am on vacation in London and feel great Rad ended Beginning of July. Just hoping it’s one and done won’t know anymore now till December and not even thinking about it till then.

I feel like I have a huge parasite in my breast!

That racing mind feeling is so common right after a diagnosis - many people describe exactly what you're experiencing. The flood of information, appointments, and emotions can make thoughts feel scattered and overwhelming. Having a space like this community to share these feelings can really help, and you might find that others here have helpful ways they've learned to calm that mental chatter during this intense time.