Treatment ended ( for now )

Hi EllyB the Dr Peter Harvey paper After Treatment Finishes - Then What? is a great tool and highlights the steppingstones that often need to be navigated.

I know lots of people who have printed out the paper and left it around for family and friends to read…… if you have not walked the journey you don’t understand.

I have been on my cancer journey for over 23 years now. My type of blood cancer is rare, incurable but treatable….. but I have relapsed multiple times over the years with a few rather life threatening times…… so my approach has always been to live in the moment and live life to the full as much as I can…..

Yes I have had a lot of bumps on the road (see my story at the bottom) but my family’s aim is to not allow my cancer to define us but we define how we live along with my unwanted guest.

((hugs))

Mike I’ve read your story and quite honestly I feel extremely humbled by it … comparatively speaking I’m doing ok physically ,emotionally I’m a bit of a mess …. I would love to work to get to that live in the moment mentality that you have and that’s my aim in the new year thank you for your reply I appreciate it , Elly x

Hi Elly, I think I have had the time to develop my mind set…… but it takes time to get in that spot.

Are you by any chance anywhere near a Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and helped me a lot. When I say ‘near’ up in the Highlands where I stay I talk regularly with folks who do a 3-4 hour round trip to access the services ((hugs))

Yes I’m under the amazing Christie and there is a Maggies there , I’ve popped in once or twice , I’ve never really asked for support there , I will in the new year I think x

Totally recommended you get round ‘the table’ and get connected in as there are various support routes including one on one support ((hugs))

Hi EllyB,You will get there.I only had surgery but really struggled mentally and physically during the recovery.It was made worse by living alone during the first lockdown.I used to write down how I was feeling and used this community which helped a lot.I think it can take a while to process everything you have been through and come to terms with it all.I found being outside with nature helpful.I tried to do 3 positive things each day to keep motivated.I still have health problems but look forward to the future and am in a much better state emotionally.Very best wishes Jane xx

Thanks for your reply Jane . I can only imagine how difficult it is to deal with alone …. I’m thinking of journaling as a means of setting emotions down too … at least as some measure of improvement when those improvements are slow in materialising. I have started walking again , very slowly and not very far but at least out in the fresh air and amongst nature …. Much love Elly x

• Yes it’s on the agenda , I avoided support groups for awhile,  too scared to hear others scary stories I guess ,I think now is the right time thanks for the advice x

The Highlander,,  have you had any connection with Maggies in Edinburgh?

Hi Babs73 never been in the Edinburgh Maggie’s Centre but have talked with many who have. I am in Inverness so have been in our local one lots.