How can I manage cancer-related anxiety with existing anxiety disorder?

Managing anxiety when cancer is added to an existing anxiety disorder can feel overwhelming, and it's completely understandable that your symptoms have intensified during this challenging time. Consider reaching out to your current mental health provider to discuss adjusting your treatment plan, as they may be able to offer additional coping strategies or modifications that specifically address cancer-related anxiety alongside your existing condition.

Dear Dorrie B — First, keep reading and commenting on Outcomes4Me. They say “misery loves company,” and I’d add that “anxiety loves company.” There’s something calming in knowing anxiety is a widespread phenomenon. I speak with experience of 3 years of diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer and 6 months of treatment that left me with 2 years (so far) of 29 negative side effects. O4M has not only eased my anxiety but given me hope that things can really get better, even when it’s only by developing coping mechanisms. I believe many cancer survivors find they have a well of resilience they didn’t know was there till they got smacked in the face with diagnosis of The Big C. I say to myself, “F you, Big C.”

Dave, I agree with your attitude about C! Corrie, none of us have a crystal ball but we can take one day at a time. Sometimes the pain is overwhelming and my state of mind sinks but I make the decision that tomorrow will be better. It truly has to be mind over matter to get through some days. I also believe God is in control and I have to let go and let God do His thing. Talk with Him or scream at Him, then listen for a sweet response.

I have exactly the same. I’m 72 and was diagnosed in June. Had a bilateral mastectomy and now they are going to put me on tamoxifen and something else. I have an anxiety disorder that has been with me since childhood. I’m so frightened of this I don’t know where to turn.