Hi Reverend, I am a male of 52 years and I've also struggled with hormonal imbalance my whole adult life which has been very difficult to manage. I got a dire (in type though thankfully not stage) nasopharyngeal cancer (sinus cancer) diagnosis just after I turned 50 years old. I've since struggled with that and continued hormonal issues exacerbated by the stress of cancer treatment. My hormonal imbalance is caused by overactive adrenal glands (inherited maternal side) producing too much cortisol (stress hormone) and too much adrenaline. This has also lead to nasty digestive related issues like IBS-D.    High stress over a long period of time is massively damaging systemically and I've thrown the book at trying to get the resultant inflammation down. Unfortunately, success has been mooted and I believe the inflammation was a large contributor to my cancer development (in combination with inhaling carcinogens). I have most recently found an wonderful herbal treatment called 'Ashwaghanda'. It is very tested and very powerful at inhibiting the hormone over response of the adrenals. I am only on a mild anti-depressant in combination with it and I've recently found myself in a very calm place. I am able to get out and about without panic or anxiety now and are generally much happier.   It is critical to try and calm those hormone releases in whichever way you may. Meditation, a pet, walking in nature, reading, whatever! You'll know when your inflammation markers reduce as the body pains will significantly reduce. A diet high in anti-oxidants is really helpful as well. I follow the Mediterranean diet and it's really working for me.  Keep battling and all of the best.   Timo ... View more

Hello  iloveyoudearly7,   Thank you for checking how it's going.  I unfortunately missed my ENT specialists call late on Friday so missed the news with regards to the PET CT scan results.  I'm not sure why, though my treatments always seem to occur later in the week and I'm always forced to endure the patience game over the weekend waiting to hear!  The powers that be must know I suffer an inherited anxiety issue! 🙂   My symptoms have been fairly steady to date.  A little flare-up of the right lymph below ear with increased pain (nearly succumbed to a mild pain-killer but saw it out).  I have a tickling sensation in the middle upper part of my back which is quite new. I am a little concerned that the cancer may have moved into a lung (I've read that can occur with my diagnosis), but breathing is still OK and I am told it's all been caught early.  Anyway, will find out more today I trust.   I hope you're doing well in whatever journey you're moving with.  Take care, and thanks again.   Timo     ... View more

Hi Allana,   I'm just starting the journey dealing with cancer and haven't received my treatment plan as yet, waiting the PET CT to be done.   I've suffered with generalized anxiety disorder my whole life (was a 'shy' kid, but actually have avoidant personality disorder).  I really can sympathize with your anxiety over the unknown.  Not having control of things really exacerbates the anxiety greatly (except the all important diet, exercise and 'trying' to remain positive which can be controlled to a large degree!).   What has worked for me more recently since the shock kicked in is a new (old) very helpful medication - valium. One low-dose in the morning which is when my anxiety is at its worst has really helped me creep out of dark places and stay positive.  I'd previously tried a few anti-depressants but side-effects really halted that treatment.   Besides the med, I find exercise and eating really well keeps me feeling good about the body side of things and decreases anxiety.  I hope your family are positive and supporting too as that is really beneficial.  Don't discount the very real impact of the love for a pet can have as a calming influence.  They love unconditionally which is priceless.   I hope you find some peace with your anxiety very soon.  Having GAD really worries me as a stressed body is one which will be a bit distracted when it needs to fight foreign cell invaders!  But I think (trust) my newly found med helps me keep as calm as I'll need to be.  I hope you find your tonic really soon too.   Best wishes, Timo       ... View more