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How do you cope with anxiety when you've had multiple cancers?

Community Member

5 days ago

My cancer journey: I was diagnosed with my first breast cancer (estrogen-fed) was on my left side in 1994. I had a lumpectomy & radiation. In 2005 I was diagnosed with a different type of breast cancer (HER2) on my right side close to the chest wall. I had a complete mastectomy & tram-flap reconstruction along with chemotherapy, radiation & a year of Herception infusions. Then in 2015 I found a pea size lump on the roof of my mouth and was diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (cancer of the palate/salivary gland). Surgery then a splint screwed into my upper palate for healing. After it’s removal I had a 2-1/2 hole in the roof of my mouth and had difficulty eating or drinking as it would come out my nose. Late 2006 I had permanent reconstruction by inserting one of my ulna arteries & it’s vein into the hole and attached it to my heart through my neck. It was a long complicated surgery and I had a nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tube placed in my nose for eight weeks. Since all my cancers were 10-11 years apart, this year has caused some anxiety.

3 comments

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Community Member

5 days ago

Navigating anxiety as a survivor of multiple cancers is completely understandable, especially when patterns from the past create worry about the future. Many survivors in this community share similar concerns about recurrence and the emotional weight that comes with having faced cancer more than once. Consider connecting with others here who have walked similar paths, and don't hesitate to discuss these feelings with your healthcare team or a counselor who specializes in cancer survivorship - they can offer personalized strategies for managing scan anxiety and the unique challenges that come with being a multiple cancer survivor.

Community Member

5 days ago

That's such helpful advice - connecting with other multiple cancer survivors here really can make a difference, and you might also ask your care team about specific strategies for managing that anniversary anxiety when those 10-11 year patterns weigh on your mind.

Community Member

5 days ago

I completely agree with this advice - connecting with others who understand that unique anxiety of multiple diagnoses can be so healing, and you might also consider asking your care team about specific strategies for managing those milestone anniversary dates when the worry tends to spike.

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How do you cope with anxiety when you've had multiple cancers?

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