Remission

Dear Debbie,

My name is Marie, and I’m a Cancer Information and Support Adviser here at Macmillan.

I’m so sorry to hear how you’re feeling at the moment however please know these feelings of anxiety, sadness and loss of confidence can be very common when treatment is due to finish. Sometimes people can be completely unprepared for the psychological impact of having an illness like cancer, especially when they no longer have the next treatment appointment to focus on. I’m very glad you’ve taken the first step and reached out for some support from us as we’d like to help you as much as we can.

Dealing with an illness like cancer can be incredibly challenging. There’s no right or wrong way to feel, but it can often bring a whole host of intense and negative emotions, which can sometimes manifest itself in the ways you describe. I’d like you to know it’s ok to feel this way. If it might be useful, I’ve popped a link to one of our booklets below which talks about the emotional impact of cancer. It also starts to discuss ways to cope with these feelings, and different support options:

How Are You Feeling? The Emotional Effects of Cancer

You may also want to have a look at the organisation Anxiety UK which talks about the different types of anxiety, and offers some coping strategies to help you manage this. Hopefully these links will provide you with some reassurances, as well as further information. They might also help you to think about what the next steps might be for you.

I also wonder if you have felt able to speak with your clinical nurse specialist or even your GP about the way you’re feeling just now Debbie? It can be a really valuable conversation to have, as they may be able to support you in different ways and help you to access other services, such as counselling, to help you begin to process what you're going through. It’s also important your medical team are aware of your situation so they can support you in the right way. 

There are also many different ways you can access support, such as peer support here on the Online Community and at our local support centres, which offer an opportunity to speak with someone face to face and access specific services.

I hope that’s given you a few avenues to think about and explore, but please do get back in touch with us if you have further questions, or if you just need a listening ear. We’re here for you.

Take care Debbie,

Hi thank you for replying I’ve ordered some books from the website but now I also have stomach cramps. & upset tummy too .

im guessing this is another side effect ?

I was so stupid to think thier wouldn’t be any side effects

regards

Dear Dandy x, 

I'm glad to hear you've ordered some booklets, I really hope these will help.

I'm sorry to hear about the cramps and upset tummy you have though. Please know that you can chat to one of our cancer information nurse specialists here at Macmillan by using the ‘Ask a Nurse’ option on the online community or you can call our freephone support line 0808 808 00 00 and press option 1 then 3 to speak to that  team. Their opening hours are 8am-8pm, seven days a week. Our nurses will be happy to chat through your symptoms and offer their advice on any potential side effects your treatment may be causing.  

I hope this information helps Dandy x. 

Take care,