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It runs in my family so I started my yearly mammograms early at 36. My first check I ended up with a lumpectomy that was thankfully benign. I was pregnant the following year and then Just had my second mammogram last month which needed up in being referred for a biopsy. Thankfully this time after they started the imaging for the biopsy the realized it was skin calcifications not breast tissue calcifications. Do I worry? Yes. More so around this time of year when I get my mammograms. But I also know that early detection is KEY! I am doing my part with my yearly checks and with my own monthly checks at home. So I know the odds of a bad outside are greatly reduced. At the end of the day it is out of my control and I really try not to give in to worry over things that I can not change the outcome.

I don't think about it a lot and I do believe if you go looking for trouble you will find it. I believe in early intervention but there has been some emerging research that women have been put through horrendous "treatments" for breast cancers when they were really quite benign and didn't require the radiation and chemo they got (I'm sure you googled this). I have maternal and paternal breast cancer so I believe I am super high risk. My sister tested negative for the BRCA test but not sure that means anything. Mom and all aunts on both sides are somehow cancer free. I am going for a physical next week and she will probably clear me for a mammogram. I'm not worried bc there's nothing I can do.

I know breast cancer is a big trigger for you. Did the outpatient treatment help? What;s going on with that? hugs!

No it is not something I think about daily. I have anxiety about death and medical emergencies in general very regularly prob daily or every other day. I have Xanax for really bad days where I can’t get it under control. I take cbd oil daily for migraines and I think it has helped for the anxiety too. I just had my 3rd baby and I usually get so distracted taking care of the kids that it gets my mind off of anxiety triggers for me. After they are in bed is my worst time. Hope you can find something to help soon.

@CatchAFallingStar: I mean, I don't want to freak you out, but the breasts aren't the only body part that can have cancer...you can't just remove body parts because they *may* develop cancer.

Here's the thing: something may happen to you (or me) it's part of the human condition. We aren't going to live forever and we aren't immune to disease/accidents etc. We have this one life and worrying it away is doing yourself such a disservice. Yes, go to your screenings, get your mammograms, and be proactive. But you are being reactive to something that doesn't exist. The issue isn't cancer (or anything else,) but your anxiety/paranoia. That is the thing that is holding you hostage. I can't help but think what wonderful and beautiful things you could do with your time if you were able to stop giving power to your anxiety and enjoy your life with your girls. It begins with you deciding that enough is enough and doing whatever is in your power to start mentally and emotionally healing. You and your family deserve peace.

@CatchAFallingStar: Of course! We care about you! I just want you to be happy and at peace.

@CatchAFallingStar: After a panic/anxiety episode, it's normal to be exhausted. Our bodies can't tell the difference between real or perceived danger. So, when you are in the heightened fight or flight for an extended period of time, your body must be EXHAUSTED. Plus, you are pregnant. Take some time to rest. It's ok. Enjoying your life also means taking care of yourself.

@CatchAFallingStar: after my third I struggled with health anxiety. Recently I was again a bit.

The health anxiety subreddit helps me because I can see others struggling and know I’m not alone, there’s also some good tips.

The healthy anxiety podcast is also really good. Check that out.

Going on walks helps too. Also I would suggest new meds or counsellor if it’s not helping.

Just know you’re not alone and it does get better.

Also RE mastectomy... I think if you did that you’d just find something else to worry about. I thought I had a brain tumour, then my head aches stopped, so it switched to colon cancer, diabetes, breast cancer, etc. Removing your breasts will relieve the worry of breast cancer, but it will be replaced with another worry if you don’t fix your anxiety in general. Honestly, this time last year I thought I would always feel so so anxious about my health and I’m doing a lot better now. Counselling is the major change for me, and I have completely banned myself from google. If I have an issue for a couple weeks, I make a doctors appointment.

Good luck ️

So the thing with any diagnostic screening is that the test doesn’t change anything. You either have an issue and catch it, or you still have the issue but you don’t catch it as early.

I always felt very nervous about my trisomy screenings during pregnancy. I tried to remind myself that taking the test does not cause the syndrome. It simply identifies it earlier than we would otherwise.

I think that is the only mindset that might help with a mammogram.

@CatchAFallingStar: i'm sorry you are experiencing so much anxiety. i have had a lot of anxiety over the health of my children. i started medication in the summer and i'm feeling so much better. i still feel nervous before big check ups but it's not out of control. i hope you are able to find the right medicine and support to feel better.

@CatchAFallingStar: I’m on Zoloft. I felt a little better after a few weeks but it took upping the dose before I felt more normal. I’m sorry you’ve not seen an improvement with medication so far.

@CatchAFallingStar: I’m just going to echo everyone and encourage you to find a new psychiatrist/treatment program if what you are currently doing is not working. Asking these questions here won’t help you and you will find something new to be anxious if you decide to get BRCA tester. Please try to find support. We want you to get better!

@CatchAFallingStar: How long have you been on your current meds now? I think @JJ2626 is right... if it's been more than 8 weeks and things still aren't better, it's time to pursue a new doctor.

@CatchAFallingStar: that’s really tough but also great that you notice it even when you can’t control it yet. Wishing you the best.