Hi I was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer in December 2019 and during Jan - Mar 20 I went through my operations and then Chemo and Radio therapy throughout lockdown. I am now 11 months clear of cancer but have really bad days of emotional tears and un-happy thoughts of "what if" this comes back. I cant sleep at night sometimes as my head is so full of thoughts. My idea is that I went through treatment and all the illness during lockdown but never got through the emotional aspects of being told you have cancer and then being zapped to death by chemicals, losing hair, losing saliva, losing 4 stone in weight and being unable to look in the mirror. so I am now facing that sadness and crying at the stupidest things like cancer adverts, meeting people who have had cancer, talking about my treatment etc, etc. The smallest things trigger me to cry. Can anyone help me find a face to face support group where I can open up and cry away my pain? x
Hi Richard Edge, the post treatment recovery both physically and mentally can be hard. I have been on my incurable blood cancer journey for over 22 years now, eventually achieving long term remission in Sep 2016 for the first time in over 17 years. I am now past the point of continually looking over my shoulder for a relapse.
There is a future sitting in front of you - think about driving a car. The big windscreen shows the future, the past is in the little mirrors and is getting smaller and more fuzzy as we move forward.....if you concentrate on the past you crash.
Talking to people face to face can indeed help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing. During lockdown a lot of their services moved onto online video support. But I see our local Maggie’s (Inverness) are starting to open up for one on one support. Also check this link to the Macmillan Buddies Telephone Service
Do m call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of emotional support, they can check the date-base benefit for any support near you or just for a listening ear.
You may find it helpful to make a cuppa and have a look at this great paper After Treatment Finishes - Then What? by Dr Peter Harvey as it highlights the post treatment milestones.
Always around to chat more.
