When people hear the word remission, they believe the story has a happy ending. They imagine that once the treatment is over, life simply returns to normal. That you pick up where you left off. That everything goes back to the way it was before. But nobody tells you what happens next. Nobody tells you that cancer can take far more than your health. It can take your career, your confidence, your financial security, and sometimes even the identity you spent decades building. I know this because it happened to me.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything I spent over two decades working in healthcare. Operating theatres were not just my job — they were my life. I started my career at the very bottom, working my way up through dedication, learning and a genuine passion for patient care. Eventually I became a Theatre Manager, responsible for leading teams and ensuring the highest standards of safety and care for patients undergoing surgery. It was a role I was incredibly proud of. Then I was diagnosed with lung cancer. The moment you hear the word cancer, your entire world stops. Everything you thought your future looked like suddenly becomes uncertain. Treatment became my focus. Surgeries, appointments, recovery, and trying to stay strong through it all. Like many people facing cancer, I put all my energy into fighting the illness. What I didn’t realise at the time was that surviving cancer would be only one part of the battle.
Your perspective really touched me though — that strength of thinking about your family and being grateful in the middle of such a difficult journey says so much about you as a person. None of us would choose this path, but there’s something incredibly powerful about being able to connect with others who truly understand, without having to explain everything. That honesty and shared strength is what keeps so many of us going. Wishing you continued strength — we keep fighting, together
ive just returned to macmillan support after few years&your posts the 1st I’ve read.
i had throat/neck cancer 9 years ago&it was&still is a daily battle!
as you said,definitely the battle nobody warns you about.
I’ve constantly had to deal with “late side effects “ of radiotherapy &chemo,which every time a new one appears,it just feels like the cancer pulling you back!another fight begins!or just a continuation of the fight,if some what different!
im told to report any new issues,but when I do,getting told it’s probably just another side effect,well it destroys the sole!
all the tests look normal &you even start questioning your own sanity!wondering are you imagining these issues!
recently I have been diagnosed with copd(lung disease)&am been investigated for possible angina.
both common effects from smoking,tge same as throat cancer.(I was an extremely heavy smoker.stopped over 13years ago)but both are also side effects of radiotherapy to the head &neck area!but not all Doctors know that!
I have burning sensations in my neck &face,which again nobody can explain why?.except maybe it’s another late side effect!
I hope maybe somebody could shine a light on this,but knowing cancer can change others life after “remission”,well makes me feel like I’m not completely mad!
