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Pls HELP what would you do if you were me?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 11/1/2020 6:20 AM (GMT -7)
I have a VERY BIG FEAR of breast cancer. I am 38 years old (39 next month), I am high risk for breast cancer due to family history and I believe all the biopsies I had were self driven due to anxiety. I have been begging my breast surgeon for a mastectomy but she thinks I am being too aggressive. Anyway I have an appt with her Nov 18 to go over details regarding it again.
This is my main problem. I have two kids and desperately want a third. I have been pushing it off for five years now due to this immense fear of breast cancer that rules my everyday life. Everyday (meaning it consumes my thoughts non stop). Its ridiculous. I am on wellbutrin now I think i is helping a little but not a lot.

Every year that passes I look back and see how quickly it went and I get this horrible feeling like WOW I could have gotten pregnant this year and had a baby by now and look I am just fine so far. But of course that though gets quickly overtaken with the thought that my pregnancy could trigger a breast cancer (it does increase chances, but not as significantly as my mind has made it out to be.

I get angry with myself that I have pushed it off this much and I feel like it will be a huge regret that I will not be able to overcome. I know I sound so ridiculous but it weighs on my mind alot. Also what if I do get pregnant? Can I deal with the breast pain that is associated with pregnancy for 9 months and the horrible horrible thoughts of BC that would be running through my mind???

What would you guys do? Im so conflicted about this? Has anyone gone through this before (may not specifically breast cancer but something similar? Please help me.
Posted 11/1/2020 11:48 AM (GMT -7)
Luvs, so sorry to read how the anxiety has it's grip on you again. Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant & it can cause anxiety as a side effect, not sure you are aware of this. A lot of people cannot handle Wellbutrin for this reason. Many years ago I was diagnosed with both depression & anxiety, I was put on Buspar and did well. It sounds like you need to have a talk with your dr about getting the anxiety under control & also doing self help.

Keep in mind not only does a surgeon dictate the need for a mastectomy but your insurance plays a larger role in approving any surgery. Good luck with your appt on the 18th, but please listen to you dr.

My own personal standpoint is I would not entertain the thought of getting pregnant until I was in a better place mentally, and especially not with the pandemic.

Take care.
Posted 11/1/2020 2:49 PM (GMT -7)
Agree with Susie. Get meds stable, ya mind stable, listen to dr. In this climate, if i were a woman considering children(am male), however i feel it would be too much going on. Keep strong, HT
Posted 11/2/2020 12:56 PM (GMT -7)
I agree with the above posts. Just work on being heathy at this time. Mentally and physically.

I can't tolerate wellbutrin. Too stimulating, makes me agitated. I have tried it several times.

Relax, breathe.

Take life one day at a time.

Gentle hugs,

Karen...
Posted 11/5/2020 6:27 PM (GMT -7)
Wise advice!
Especially considering that your Dad has a serious medical issue (as revealed in the Prostate Cancer Forum).
Posted 11/6/2020 7:30 AM (GMT -7)
I think you can just keep on top of your breast exams and consult with your doctor and you will be ahead of the game. I know many women how had breast cancer, caught early and they are all fine, still here.

I've heard most (maybe all) who have had breast cancer say pain is not a symptom.

I understand your health fears. I struggle with that too.
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