Cancer Diagnosis Triggers New Wave of TMS

[Tirubow]

I have battled various manifestations of TMS for many years - mostly successfully and always able to get on with a "normal" life. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with cancer, and now facing immunotherapy which I hope will be successful. Instead of enjoying my time (I'm now retired) and gearing up for the battle, I suddenly have developed IBS type symptoms, which seem pretty obvious to me to be a TMS way of distracting me from the general fear of the cancer. It is maddening, because all I want to do is enjoy the little things every day, but now I am just focused on the constipation and bloating. The tools I used to escape prior episodes of TMS were all based on not really knowing the underlying driver. This time I do know the trigger, but it isn't helping so far in my efforts to overcome it. Various ways of telling yourself "you are safe and nothing is really wrong" seems a bit hollow given the diagnosis. If anyone has experience with this, or suggestions on what to do differently given a troubling health diagnosis, I would appreciate your input.

 

[Cactusflower]

Hi @Tirubow
I'm sorry for your suffering.
My TMS coach was diagnosed with cancer after finding herself pain free. She continued her TMS work through her recovery. Although she still has mind/body symptoms, they are quickly resolved.
She journals when needed.
Takes stock of the emotions around the trigger and has compassion for herself.
She immersed herself in more self-care than she ever did (massages, she liked hypnotherapy). Personally, I can't tell you how much this has helped me too - simple things like getting my hair cut, nails done (stuff I never used to do...even moisturizing!) - it just makes you feel good!
Learned to observe how her personality traits contribute to triggers and has compassion for them.

Meditation. Meditation. Meditation. This was the way she conveyed messages of safety to herself. Knowing that she was safe in the minutes she meditated. I'd add Claire Weekes books on top of this one for you. She is the master of anxiety, and has wonderful techniques to help you get through anxious times - the way she guides you into thinking moves past simple "messages of safety" to actual practices. Messages of safety can be conveyed in many ways - meditation, qi gong and tai chi (often recommended for people who have cancer).

I find EFT to help me get my thoughts back in a better alignment when they stray to catastrophic or anxious repetitive patterns. I use youtube videos as guides.

Lastly, if you need support, find it. Get yourself into a peer group for cancer support, or a therapist who works with this population. They will be able to offer you the shoulder you need to help you work through the emotions and I imagine they have had plenty of patients with mind/body symptoms associated with the anxiety even if they aren't a TMS coach.

 

[Tirubow]

Thank you for your thoughtful response - this is very helpful. Journaling always worked for me in the past - and I am continuing with it now. The difference from past work is that this time I know the cause, so most of my journaling is that I am ready willing and able to face the cancer and I don't need the distraction. I'm only about a week into it, so hopefully this will help. And I am definitely doing the meditation this time - something that helped immensely with my tinnitus recovery five years ago. You are right - I do feel safe during the periods of meditation. I've also been doing progressive relaxation exercises, which seem to help. The TMS symptoms this time seem to come from the typical digestion issues that follow surgery under general anesthesia - TMS has attached itself to that.

I love the suggestions of self pampering - I will definitely give that a try. It's frustrating that consciously I have accepted the fact of cancer and trying to enjoy the journey, however long it is. But I know that subconsciously TMS is trying to distract me to focus elsewhere. My prognosis is not dire, but still uncertain and with lots of risks. The journey is just starting.

Again, thank you for so generously offering your input - I can feel the help it brings already.

 

[Lojos]

I am going through complications from my 4th lot of cancer.I had a fall and developed a haematoma in the mastectomy site from the beginning of the year.After weeks of trying to drain it the surgeon thought a ‘washout’ would work better.So this was done on a Monday 6weeks ago and then by the Saturday I had developed a ‘super bug’ so had to have surgery the next day.I had so many antibiotics ,then they decided on a very potent one.The infection is a flesh eating one 50%mortality rate and the antibiotic can cause heart problems, so more hospital visits and ECGs.The wound is left open and must heal from the inside first -what’s called a secondary healing.So for the past 6weeks have had nurses dressing it.It will be another 6weeks before it is healed properly.
Today was the first day that I am feeling angry how much this cancer has taken from me.I have spondylolisthesis and weak muscle strength which isn’t too bad but it’s the feeling of being off balance most days.I had vertigo about 3years ago and have just done a 6 week rehab stint for balance which really hasn’t helped.
All I can say I am fed up.I am almost 80.

 

[nancy]

I have battled various manifestations of TMS for many years - mostly successfully and always able to get on with a "normal" life. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with cancer, and now facing immunotherapy which I hope will be successful. Instead of enjoying my time (I'm now retired) and gearing up for the battle, I suddenly have developed IBS type symptoms, which seem pretty obvious to me to be a TMS way of distracting me from the general fear of the cancer. It is maddening, because all I want to do is enjoy the little things every day, but now I am just focused on the constipation and bloating. The tools I used to escape prior episodes of TMS were all based on not really knowing the underlying driver. This time I do know the trigger, but it isn't helping so far in my efforts to overcome it. Various ways of telling yourself "you are safe and nothing is really wrong" seems a bit hollow given the diagnosis. If anyone has experience with this, or suggestions on what to do differently given a troubling health diagnosis, I would appreciate your input.

 

[nancy]

I can understand your fears as I also was shocked to find out my diagnosis. I had gone for blood work before my usual Dr checkup. The next am I received a phone call at 7am to get to the hosp ASAP. My Hemoglobin was extremely lowmadetur but I felt fine. I had to call a neighbor to stay with my son who suffered a stroke and I am his caregiver. I was terrified. After being given pints of blood and undergoing a cat scan and colononoscopy I was told I had colon Ca. I was treated terribly, they actually put me in a covid rm. I stood outside the rm and demanded another rm. Not like me. TMS has helped me to speak up for myself. I had surgery and now I pray for no return cancer. I get very depressed before I have checkup with the oncologist every 6 mths and have to have a scan every yr for 3 yrs. My tms gets worse during this time. I too am retired but now my son is here who I love dearly but it's a job. I have worked very hard on meditating which I believe helps. My problem is loneliness because alot of people and even good friends tend to walk away when you have problems. I had also experienced IBS and bloating which was horrible. Don't worry, it will go away. I also went through the constipation and started taking a Magnesium 250mg after checking with my Doc. Magical results. Cancer diag is so scary I know. Think positve and if you need help you can keep in touch with me as I have been there. Thinking and praying for you, Nancy

 

[Tirubow]

Nancy - thank you for your response and especially for your prayers. What I find hardest it is the waiting for (and dreading) the next check up point and to see if things got better or worse. I have two immuno therapy treatments remaining, then the 6 week wait to see what's going on. As much as I try to block it out and just enjoy the time in between, I worry and the TMS flares up, I'm sure to try and "help" me via distraction.

What has helped me so far: journaling to flesh out the fears and frustrations, EFT Tapping and other guided meditations. Cactus Flower (above) mentioned the EFT Tapping - I had totally forgotten this tool (I used it 5 years ago when I developed Tinnitus). I think it helps and there are many useful You Tube videos to guide you. Staying physically active and not letting my world totally shrink also helps. The difference for me from prior issues is that the source of the TMS seems obvious - distracting me from my diagnosis. So all of my journaling and EFT is focused on acknowledging the situation so that no distraction is needed.

Thank you again, and thinking and praying for you and anyone else in this situation.

 

[nancy]

Good to hear from you and thank you for the prayers. I am appreciative of all your suggestions. I do journal regularly, in therapy EFT is helping somewhat. My fears can be overwhelming at times. I
have my app't this Thurs with the oncologist who takes blood work and the usual, how are you feeling. She tends to be on the chillier side so maybe that's why I also dread going. She gives me a script for another Abd Cat Scan and Colonoscopy script for my G I Doc and says Good Luck Nancy. She should had chosen another Specialty to suit her personality. Perhaps a jail nurse, HA HA. You have been through so much also, it's also harder the older we get. I am 72. It sounds like your on the right track now. Please get in touch anytime your feeling down or frightened and we can calm things down. We Can Do This!! Prayers and Positivity to you, Nancy

 

[Sita]

...I was told I had colon Ca. I was treated terribly, they actually put me in a covid rm. I stood outside the rm and demanded another rm. Not like me. TMS has helped me to speak up for myself. I had surgery and now I pray for no return cancer.

This is evil, what happened to you was evil, and no one was held responsible for this. Good for refusing to enter that room. I'm glad you are OK now. All the best to you, keep positive, do not fear.

 

[nancy]

Good to hear from you and thank you for the prayers. I am appreciative of all your suggestions. I do journal regularly, in therapy EFT is helping somewhat. My fears can be overwhelming at times. I
have my app't this Thurs with the oncologist who takes blood work and the usual, how are you feeling. She tends to be on the chillier side so maybe that's why I also dread going. She gives me a script for another Abd Cat Scan and Colonoscopy script for my G I Doc and says Good Luck Nancy. She should had chosen another Specialty to suit her personality. Perhaps a jail nurse, HA HA. You have been through so much also, it's also harder the older we get. I am 72. It sounds like your on the right track now. Please get in touch anytime your feeling down or frightened and we can calm things down. We Can Do This!! Prayers and Positivity to you, Nancy

 

[Tirubow]

Hi Nancy - if you are still monitoring this thread, I wanted to give you an update. I was blessed to receive great news last week - following my immunotherapy, I had a procedure to check on the status of my bladder cancer - and they found no cancer remaining whatsoever. I have to continue with maintenance immunotherapy and get rechecked every three months, but in the words of my surgeon "I could not have even hoped for this good an outcome". I want to thank you for your prayers and support and you of course have mine. I hope things are going OK for you. As for the TMS, I still have a few lingering elements, so the work continues. It's like the body won't let you just be care free. But I do think all of my TMS exercises (meditation, EFT, journaling) were part of the recovery process. And to anyone out there with a scary diagnosis - keep with it and do not lose faith.

 

[nancy]

OH, WONDERFUL. What a relief. No one unless you've been there can fully understand all the fears,anxieties, and the sleepless nights. You can rest now and feel free!!!!
Thank you for letting me know. My 2nd yr abdominal scan is in April, so far, so good. Lets keep in touch and always praying. I am thrilled for you honey!!

 

[Lojos]

Hi Nancy - if you are still monitoring this thread, I wanted to give you an update. I was blessed to receive great news last week - following my immunotherapy, I had a procedure to check on the status of my bladder cancer - and they found no cancer remaining whatsoever. I have to continue with maintenance immunotherapy and get rechecked every three months, but in the words of my surgeon "I could not have even hoped for this good an outcome". I want to thank you for your prayers and support and you of course have mine. I hope things are going OK for you. As for the TMS, I still have a few lingering elements, so the work continues. It's like the body won't let you just be care free. But I do think all of my TMS exercises (meditation, EFT, journaling) were part of the recovery process. And to anyone out there with a scary diagnosis - keep with it and do not lose faith.

I am pleased for you.It is a scary time but the old saying’one day at a time ‘ makes it easier.

 

[JanAtheCPA]

As for the TMS, I still have a few lingering elements, so the work continues. It's like the body won't let you just be care free.

This is the truth about reality - it is, in fact, part of our survival mechanisms, developed to keep us alive many millenia ago - and uniquely ill-suited for the changes in human society which started developing only about 5,000 years ago or so.

But I do think all of my TMS exercises (meditation, EFT, journaling) were part of the recovery process.

I am 1000% on board with this assessment. Many mindbody professionals would agree with you - Dr. Gabor Mate, in particular (When The Body Says No was the third book that saved my life in 2011/2012 - after Sarno and Claire Weekes).

And to anyone out there with a scary diagnosis - keep with it and do not lose faith.

Bless you, at Turbow - as well as many congratulations and cheers to your good health in the new year!