How do I stop worrying

Hi Suea and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am sorry to hear about your concerns.

Navigating the post treatment world can be challenging…… I know this ever so well.

For some context I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 43 with a rare (8 in a million) incurable but treatable type of slow growing Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL)……. eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 when a second, also rare (4 in a million) type of aggressive type of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma was then presenting.

Now 9+ years out from my last treatment my first type of NHL is fast asleep (my consultants words) so I must not go around kissing princesses ….. with my second NHL most likely in long remission but my consultant will never use the word cure.

Going forward is all about living in the moment…. as in reality you just can’t control the future. The mind set we as a family hold onto is we refuse to let the what if’s? define us….. we define the way forward.

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.

Once you have had a look at the paper do come back with your thoughts on it.

Hello Suea,

It's very difficult to stop worrying about lung cancer recurrence. I know the feeling well but can assure you that things will most definitely improve for you over time.

I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer (T2AN1M0) in 2014, had my right lung removed in June that year followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Apart from one minor scare which was eventually found to be of no significance I have been clear of lung cancer ever since, now some 10.5 years later.

It takes time to gain confidence in yourself but after a while, when a couple of routine scans are out of the way you should start feeling much more confident for the future. Trust me, I did.

I wish you all the best,

Derek.

Hi Suea,

I'm in the same boat so to speak. I had surgery for an unusually fast growing rectal cancer in Aug 2024. The tumor was discovered at 12.5 cm barely a year after an unrelated abdominal surgery.  The surgeons  think they got it all but what terrifies me is how quickly it could grow back if any was missed. 

I try to be patient with myself and focus on the here and now instead of dwelling in the "what if" universe.  That world is not a good place to visit. 

The article linked by highlander is great and I found it really helpful at well.

I figure some worry comes with the territory but I try to remind myself that I fought cancer to be able to enjoy life not worry.

Besides, they say only the good die young. So I'm going to raise as much hell as possible. 

Hi Susan Susan13 and it’s great that you found the article helpful…… it’s a great tool to help deal with the various aspects of the post treatment world.

In the early days post my last treatment some 9 years back I did the excellent 7 week (1 afternoon a week) Where Now? Course run by our local Maggie's Centre and the course definitely helped get the Soave between my ears sorted out.

I am obviously up in the Highlands of Scotland so travelling to do stuff is part of life…… so there were folks at the course who were doing a 3-4hr round trip every day of the course….. but they all agreed that it was worth every minute of their time.

The paper was highlighted during the course and we were all challenged to become proactive after reading through it and using it as a vehicle for change and life improvement.

So we had to get a note book or some sheets of paper and put pen to paper - it is a good way forward.

So a page per subject heading. Start detailing the things you have done already to move life on in each area and then start to set some achievable goals to work towards. 

When you achieve the first goal on each lists, tick it off and then put a new goal at the bottom of the list. By doing this you can actually see your progress and celebrate achievements. When I say celebrate I do mean giving yourself treats and gifts........ you have life - celebrate it.

The headings would be:

What steps am I taking to regain trusts in my body?

What steps am I taking to regain trust in myself?

What steps am I taking to overcome living with uncertainty?

What steps am I taking to deal with the world?

…… 9 years on I still have the note book and I still set goals.