CEA need to call

[Coloncancerqueen]

I am so scared of another recurrence. I am only 4 months out since I had my ovaries removed and my next check in Mayo won't be until April. My last check in January (5 weeks ago) was good. My scan results were good and my CEA was 1.1. My local oncologist said he would do a six week check on the CEA if I wanted to help with the worry. Here I am, scared to make that call.

My mom is scheduled for the whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer on March 6. I am trying to be strong for her like she was for me. I think what I am mostly worried about is that if my CEA is elevated, how will I be as strong as I can be for her?

There is no reason to think anything is going on again but then I felt good this summer when my CEA elevated and it took 10 weeks to find.

One of my co-workers found me crying at the bubbler today at work. I know I need to call and set up the blood test test. Just so scared....

[Lee]

Ok FIRST breath, breath in, breath out, repeat!

We ALL experience what you are going through at this moment. To be honest, it is probably one of the SCARIEST TIMES on this journey. We are taking life and death here folks ! It ain't the common cold. Living life one scan to the next is hard and SCARY at times. Sometimes we need a little help. If it is too much, Ask your Onc for help, anti depressants have helped MANY people here. You might want to think about it for the next 1-2 years. Like I say, it has helped many people on this forum.

All the best with your up comming scans. thinking of you,

Lee

[KElizabeth]

Yes. What Lee said.
If you are panicking you can't take care of yourself fully. I get anxiety all the time just thinking about where that creepy cancer could go, so I'm the poster girl Xanax. You might need something for anxiety just to get you through the first few months.

I wish you luck for your tests. Let us know how it goes.

[SEWHAPPY]

I find that my anti-depressant just makes it easier to cope. You don't have to be afraid of asking for that help - treatment puts our bodies so out of whack. Hugs, prayers and courage for both you and your mother. Hang in there! Laurie

[Coloncancerqueen]

Thank you for your support and suggestions. I did try the anti depressant, Zoloft back in September. I'm not sure if it was too strong of a dose but it made me sick like I was hung over and it also made me weepy. I decided to go off and have just tried to deal with the anxiety through exercise and keeping busy. Some days are just tougher than others.

I did have my CEA last Tuesday and it's good. It's 1.5. Now I can rest a bit easier and get my mom through her surgery and recovery. Next scan and CEA will be in Mayo in April or May.

[SEWHAPPY]

Good news! Remember, if things get overwhelming there is a whole arsenal of anti-depressants that work in different ways. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get the right mix. Prayers for your Mom's surgery!