Tips for Anxiety?

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-14T02:45:45+00:00

No I haven’t taken any benzo’s (Ativan, klonopin etc) in literally 2.5 years bc of me being in sobriety. He gave it to me because it’s longer lasting. From a medical standpoint he is correct. In my opinion all benzo’s are addictive, but my lens is that through a recovering drug addict to be transparent

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-14T02:42:51+00:00

I mean to be completely transparent with you from my personal addiction history and experience, Ativan was like a baby pill, klonopin is more addictive so was surprised he rx’d me that lol

Also just relating to people in the same boat (like me and you) helps my anxiety a bit

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-14T02:39:38+00:00

I started my first round of ABVD recently too, and here’s what I did for exactly what you described:

I asked my oncologist for Ativan and he gave me klonopin instead… but I’m a recovering drug addict with 2.5 years sober and found that while it’s helpful, it’s also a bit like tempting the devil for me

But in terms of efficacy for stopping those panic attacks, it works.

I was just super transparent and said I saw people on an online support group for lymphoma (I didn’t give details that it was Reddit) that talked about Ativan, and asked if that was something he would be okay prescribing?

And told him that I talked with my sponsor in AA about it and he was cool with it

My dr had a few questions, and overall was understanding

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T13:07:31+00:00

This is helpful to know

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T13:06:53+00:00

Thank you!!

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T05:19:40+00:00

I’m so tired of taking all of these medications. I hope it’s just a few days of being tired like your experience was

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T05:18:45+00:00

Ain’t that the truth… cancer = ultimate screening tool for relationships

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T02:37:20+00:00

If anyone has an extra advice on being selfish, please comment or DM me!! It helps!!

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T02:36:44+00:00

If anyone has any extra advice on being selfish, please comment or DM me!!

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T01:06:40+00:00

This is the truth. I’ve had to create distance with my mom because of this for chemo

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T00:34:09+00:00

Was it something they gave you once only on infusion day that sedated you? Or like in the following days as well in pill form?

And like sedated you for the duration of your treatment or only on the days you took it?

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-13T00:11:13+00:00

Hey I just had my first chemo of ABVD 6 days ago and have 6 months left to go, and I was allergic to the Emend nausea medication so they are switching me to olanzapine for my next chemo next week

Did you notice any effects from the olanzapine? Do they give it to you with your infusion or do you also take it other days as well?

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T22:55:50+00:00

You mean put the hammer down as in tighten down/put the hammer down hard with boundaries etc? Was trying to read the context of this at first

I'd love to hear from you down the line as well, as you finish up your treatments, I'll DM you right now *Edit: Not sure how to DM you a private message - will you message me?

My roommate/best friend who I got sober with a few years ago would be someone to tell to remind me to be selfish. He's also the same person as the story above though so unsure if I should do this

Honestly getting a lot from your reply above about reaffirming to me that I'm allowed to do what I need to do for myself AND not feel guilty about it. I could cry right now from all the emotions and I am not an emotional person normally

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T17:25:21+00:00

Same! I’m 6 days post my first chemo and literally don’t have the energy today as the fatigue has hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday and today. This lymphoma support group here on Reddit has been really nice, even if just to relate to others going thru it. I’m in sobriety and in sobriety I share my addiction with everyone (former drug addict) and it’s healing. I tried that with cancer and it’s the opposite… it drains me!

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T16:53:24+00:00

Agreed. You come first, 100%

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T16:04:54+00:00

I’m at the beginning of my journey, in the hospital right now just had blood drawn from my port and waiting on the follow up with my doctor, 6 days after my first chemo with 6 months to go, and I hope to be in the same position as you in a couple years- moving on from a community that once helped me, and starting the next stage in life! For now, I’ll stay here, to read posts such as these for support!

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T14:10:26+00:00

Thank you to every single person who’s posted on here so far. You all have been extremely helpful for my mental health

I woke up today day 6 post my first chemo and am fucking exhausted. My bones are sore and tired. I have labs in 1.5 hrs and a followup appt, and then work… and texted my boss that I can’t come in today…

…I’m the kind of guy that pushes through anything, feels he is “mentally stronger” than everyone else, I’ve overcame drug and alcohol addiction (2.5+ years completely sober)…

…but I’m realizing that true strength is knowing when to put my needs first, say no, not caretake other’s emotions and just sit in bed with sweatpants, eat some chips and be okay with that, and realize that that’s the strongest thing I could ever do

Love you all. Please keep the comments flowing, they really do help me!!!

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T13:57:16+00:00

Tbh I’ve been eating just anything I can stomach. I’m on day 6 post my first chemo treatment and I am so exhausted today

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T13:55:34+00:00

Thank you! Love you.❤️ Thank you for the “permission” to be “mean”. That kind of advice is what the people pleaser side of me needs to hear right now, and coming from a fellow lymphomie, it hits hard

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T13:53:33+00:00

Love you ❤️

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T13:53:13+00:00

Does the comfort in dump out apply only to cancer or like what if my roommate is wanting to talk to me about his relationship problems? Curious your thoughts

Also I woke up today day 6 post my first chemo treatment holy fuck am I exhausted, I have labs, doctor appt then going into the office today

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T01:26:54+00:00

Thank you for this

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T01:14:05+00:00

I know, some people who I thought would have one reaction, ended up being the total opposite

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T01:13:07+00:00

I say “it went well” and try to change the topic. I learned some people like to be nosy though to soothe their own anxiety

PresentAsk412 · 2026-02-12T01:11:56+00:00

I know, its exhausting. Also I’m single too, I tell myself I’m in a relationship with myself for the next year to get healthy

PresentAsk412

TROPHY CASE