Constant 'quiet' health anxiety on close monitoring.

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Hi all. My details are in my link but I am 2.5 years post stage 3 colon cancer, right hemicolectomy and then chemotherapy due to lymph node involvement. Just tired of lurching from one piece of the close monitoring I'm extremely grateful for, just to have to face the next. I get CEA bloods twice a year and CT yearly. My surgeon agreed to my request for annual colonoscopie due to the level of health anxiety I have. This is due to my symptoms being so severe the year prior to eventual diagnosis after emergency surgery and not 'picked up' on the numerous bloods/ CT/MRI/ sygmoidoscopy I'd had that year. Knowing is only colonoscopie that is 'gold standard ' for detection of BC, so he's agreed to this and next is due in a few weeks. My 2 CTs have both been deemed 'cancer free ' which is obviously wonderful but keep reporting 'abnormal area in the transverse colon' which isn't explained and now sending me into a spiral of worry with the colonoscopie imminent. I had a year of counselling with a wonderful oncology psychologist which helped at the time but I am still so anxious though mask it very well! My oncology nurse said " you'll never be the person you were prior to cancer" and that's so true, I am so greatful for the life I now have, really focused on making my health as good as possible and enjoying the great things in life but this health anxiety is so tough as I know you'll all empathise with...

  • Hello  

    I am Brian, one of the Community Champions here at Macmillan. I have just noticed your post has gone unanswered. By me replying it will be "bumped up" to the top of the page and i hope seen and replied to by other members of the group.

    I am over 4 years into my personal cancer journey so can't really answer your question, and although I am on a "curative pathway" at present - I feel I will be on lifelong treatment as i have a very strange set of diagnostic figures for my particular cancer.

    I sympathise regarding the colonoscopies - I have had 3, thank you and whilst they are for diagnostic reasons they aren't like holidays - you look forward to them.

    You have the right attitude:

    , I am so greatful for the life I now have, really focused on making my health as good as possible and enjoying the great things in life

    Stay positive - think positive and good luck moving forward.

    Best wishes - Brian.

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  • Thank you so much Brian, wishing you all the best also in this situation we find ourselves in,  the support and empathy here does help .