Anxiety is cancerous

[Grampians]

Hello, fresh newbie here, I am a stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma patient and as my thread title suggests I'm struggling with the mental side of having cancer. I'm in no way been diagnosed with a terminal period or outcome but after battling Melanoma for 3 years now it's starting to do my head in. It is a cancer that is not obvious apart from some physical scars or those undergoing treatment for multiple lesions. Stage 4 Melanoma means it has affected internal organs and luckily for me only one lesion on a lung which has been surgically removed, while I am currently doing well with no new tumors I find it's the unknown lurking cancer cells floating around that consumes my thoughts on a daily basis. I am very anxious at the moment hence this post, a recent scan completed and now waiting for the report (Friday 18th). I'm not new to the waiting for scan reports, it's the build up over time that has caused restlessness, flushes, night sweats, head aches and lack of sleep. Generally, I have always been a very positive person but now I have started to avoid situations at work, keeping my feelings to myself from loved ones so as not to cause alarm, I have to put on a brave face because I am relied upon to perform with everything I do. I am yet to pick up the phone and talk to a counselor or taken myself off to a Psychologist but I guess that's something I am very close to doing, costs involved for professional help has stopped me, sadly cancer has also taken its toll in financial terms.

[geoff]

hello Grampians, I'm so terribly sorry to have this cancer, it's an illness that nobody would ever want, and no, you didn't put your hand up in the air requesting it, and for it to affect any internal organs is something that you must be worried about, but share this and you don't have to have any guilt by doing so.
When you see your doctor (GP) ask them about the 'mental health plan' where you are entitled to 10 free visits to see a psych, and this can be extended under extreme circumstances, which I believe involves you.
You can not pretend anymore to those people around you, because if they have any inkling of what you are suffering from, then let them in to help you and support you in any way possible, please don't hide it any longer, you deserve all the help and support you can get.
I wish you the very best but would love to hear back from you. Geoff.

[White_Rose]

Dear Grampian

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. We offer support to everyone who posts in here and very happy to help you.

I have had breast cancer twice, 16 years apart. It is worrying to know you have this wretched illness inside but not be able to do much about it. Did you have chemo or radiation therapy? Fortunately I have not needed chemo but radiation treatment for the second cancer. Sometimes the treatment feels worse than the cancer. My sister had cancer which involved several operations and chemo.

It's OK to tell people who care about you what you think feel. I had fantastic support from my friends when it came time for the radiotherapy. Three weeks of daily treatment at the hospital. I was chauffeured to and from each treatment and found it so supportive which was great as I became tired after the first week. Let your family know. I understand they will worry but they well be worrying already and be a little wary of mentioning it with you.

I understand about the fear of cancer floating round your body and causing other cancers. The surgeon told me it was the reason for radiation to make sure of mopping up these spots. It sounds as though you need someone to talk to. So here are a few options. If you have private medical insurance check if it covers psychologists.

• See your GP and ask for a mental health plan (GPMH). This entitles you to subsidised visits to a psychologist. Medicare covers most of the cost. It works the same as going to any doctor or specialist with rebates from Medicare. Unfortunately Medicare does not cover psychologists fees in general and under this scheme your psych visits are limited. Initially six sessions plus four more if the psych feels it would be beneficial in one calendar year. But you can return the next year for another ten visits. As we are nearing the end of the year your sessions can last to the end of the year and start again in January.
• If you have private medical cover that includes psychology after you have used up your GPMH plan you can receive a rebate from your insurer.
• Find a counsellor from organisations such as Relationships Australia, Salvation Army and Anglicare. Your GP should know if these groups have facilities in your area. These groups have no charge or a low charge which is great for your wallet.They offer a great service and I think would be helpful to you.
• Get a referral to a psychiatrist where all your visits are covered by Medicare.

Visit your GP and have a chat about these options.

Mary

[Babyboomer]

Hi Grampians. There's an organisation called Melanoma Patients Australia which is dedicated to providing a support etc for people with Melanoma, including online. Their website is melanomapatients.org.au.

I can only imagine what you are going through and I'm sure I still wouldn't even be close! You must be amazingly strong to have weathered the storm thus far! I understand why you don't want to burden your loved ones, but you could be underestimating their abilities to provide the love and support you need through this distressing time. Sometimes I think that in our efforts to protect those we love, we deny them the opportunity to show their strength and their love for us.

Having said that, only you know your loved ones, so maybe talking to someone at MPA would be helpful.

Please let us know how you go.

Warmest regards

Jacky