Mental Health and Mindfulness

How do I tell family about my cancer diagnosis?

As I sit here in the hospital freaking out, trying my best to stay positive and not totally lose my mind. I am in a fog of disbelief. Just told that they found cancer cells in my blood (stage 4) I don't have a definitive diagnosis still doing a few more CT scans. How am I supposed to deal with this? How much do you tell loved ones when you can't wrap your own head around it? I know they are concerned but I don't want people to say sorry or ask questions that I can't answer. Any advice would help.

What's recovery like after breast-conserving surgery and radiation?

I have stage 0 breast cancer (DCIS) and I'm learning about breast-conserving surgery followed by whole breast radiation therapy as a treatment option. From what I understand, this approach removes the cancer while keeping most of my breast tissue, then uses radiation across the breast area to help prevent the cancer from returning. I'd really appreciate hearing from others who have been through this treatment path. It would help to know what your experience was like and any insights you gained along the way. • What was your recovery like after breast-conserving surgery and radiation? • What do you wish you had known beforehand about this treatment approach?

How do I manage severe hot flashes and anxiety on Arimidex?

I'm currently taking Arimidex (anastrozole) for breast cancer and dealing with multiple side effects. I'm having very severe hot flashes, joint and bone pain, fatigue, and severe anxiety with emotional distress. My doctor explained that these symptoms are commonly linked to this medication since it works by lowering estrogen levels. I plan to contact my oncology team to discuss these issues, but I'd love to hear from others who've been through similar experiences. • What helped you manage severe hot flashes and anxiety while on anastrozole? • What tips do you wish you'd known when dealing with these side effects?

Can mindfulness help with scanxiety during cancer treatment?

I have colorectal cancer and am currently taking Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) and Lexapro (escitalopram) for mental health support. I recently read about how mindfulness-based techniques can help manage scanxiety and treatment-related stress alongside existing mental health care. The article mentioned specific approaches like breathing techniques during scans and body awareness practices that could complement what I'm already doing for anxiety management. I'm curious about others' experiences with mindfulness or similar approaches during cancer treatment, especially if you've also been managing anxiety or depression. • Have you tried mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises or body scans during treatment, and did they help with scanxiety or other cancer-related stress? • If you're using both mental health medications and mindfulness practices, what has your experience been like combining these approaches? Link: https://outcomes4me.com/cancer-topic/mental-health-and-mindfulness/why-mindfulness-is-a-clinical-necessity-in-cancer-care/

Outcomes4Me

Why mindfulness is a clinical necessity in cancer care

Discover why mindfulness is a clinical necessity, not an alternative, for managing cancer anxiety. Learn how MBSR supports patients during treatment and recovery.

How can I manage scanxiety and treatment stress?

Struggling with scanxiety? Learn effective strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and the emotional limbo of cancer treatment and imaging results. https://outcomes4me.com/cancer-topic/mental-health-and-mindfulness/taking-control-of-scanxiety-and-treatment-stress/

Outcomes4Me

Taking control of scanxiety and treatment stress

Struggling with scanxiety? Learn effective strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and the emotional limbo of cancer treatment and imaging results.

How Do I Celebrate After Getting a Clear Pet Scan?

Today is a joyful day! Joyful tears filled my eyes as I was told by my ENT after looking at my second pet-scan results and doing a nasal endoscopy , that there was no sign of cancer. The treatments have worked. The fear,anxiety and uncertainty was turned into jubilation. For once I feel confident about my outcome and future. I pray for all who are fighting this horrible disease. God bless keep the faith and🙏 “Don’t Let The Bad Days Win!” 🙏

How can I find affordable cancer treatment in NY State?

I was recently diagnosed in May 2026 with IDC, HR+ / ER+ / HER2- . I live in NY State. I am currently covered under my husband's employer insurance, but the premium is extremely high, and with my mental health and substance use disorder copays, I am paying around $1,400/month out of pocket. I have not been able to work for the last few years due to mental health, addiction recovery, perimenopause, and now breast cancer. I am a nurse of 24+ years - I am used to being the helper, not asking for help, and this has been really hard. I did submit a financial aid application through the hospital/cancer center, but I received notices that I need my 2025 tax information and I am unable to log into my TurboTax and IRS accounts to get it. I'm getting very discouraged trying to manage it on my own.

Has anyone else had ovarian sarcoma?

I have stage 3 sarcoma of the ovaries. I was diagnosed 18 months ago and had a 10 hour surgery with teams from urology and gynecology. I had stents in my ureters for a while and of course my ovaries are gone. I have been NED in all my Ct scans which are done every 3 months. Is there anyone else in this group who has had a similar diagnosis? Apparently it is very rare. I’ve been very lucky so far and I’m grateful for every day. I have done no treatments so far.

How can mindfulness help with cancer anxiety?

Discover why mindfulness is a clinical necessity, not an alternative, for managing cancer anxiety. Learn how MBSR supports patients during treatment and recovery. https://outcomes4me.com/cancer-topic/mental-health-and-mindfulness/why-mindfulness-is-a-clinical-necessity-in-cancer-care/

Outcomes4Me

Why mindfulness is a clinical necessity in cancer care

Discover why mindfulness is a clinical necessity, not an alternative, for managing cancer anxiety. Learn how MBSR supports patients during treatment and recovery.

How did stage 4 cancer patient achieve no detectable cancer?

I have stage 4 cancer, I have gone thru 6 months of chemo and now show no detectable signs of cancer. This is Very unusual for a stage 4 patient..I have had skin and throat cancer for 30 years. My cancer is now in my esophagus, liver, and lymph nodes. I am trying to keep a good attitude but I also know it is one day at the time. I’m 71 years old and been thru Hell in my Life. Right now I am Very Happy to be here. I am a Faithful Person, Butt sometimes You wonder WHY? I Pray for all to try and be Happy with the Life You have Left. We are all going to die…it is just difficult to have a time frame. My BEST to Everyone!