Constant 'quiet' health anxiety on close monitoring.

Hello Bamo 

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:

Bamo said:

, 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.

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 .

Hi Bamo,

I think one of the most common threads through all cancer journeys is the mental effects of this illness.  I so understand the constant battle with waiting for the next results and the sudden worries when more investigations are required.  For me a major turning point was having Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.  This helped me to deal with the emotional journey through diagnosis and treatment and the endless post cancer monitoring.  I can honestly say, despite being on high level monitoring for spread, I cherish every day and stay positive thanks to this therapy.  I am so glad you got some psychological help and wish everyone could have that as a part of their cancer treatment.

You are doing amazingly well to stay positive and give yourself the credit for doing so!  As for the anxiety that is unavoidable, but well done for focussing on making things as good as possible.  I keep a journal and at the start of each day I write one thing in there that I am thankful for and that helps me to get my day off to a great start.  In the evening I write all the wonderful things that happened today.  When I am waiting for results this helps me to put the focus back on life and not on cancer.  That won't work for everyone but maybe its possible to find a way to do something like that if you are trying to keep fear and anxiety at bay.

All the best!

Paul

Hi Paul and thanks so much for the reply. Am currently breathing a little easier as had my annual colonoscopie 3 weeks ago and wonderfully, all was clear of anything sinister . The absolute angst prior was hideous again, and despite my wonderful psychologist practicing many skills with me such as CBT and even EMDR, those negative mindsets after all that went before persist, try as we might to be rational! I agree that psychological support should go hand in hand for all those affected by this disease,  along with the pharmalogical/ surgical support we so need. 

Wishing you and all of us affected by this, ongoing strength and more better days ahead hopefully

I so understand about colonoscopie.  I have to have one every 10 years and the next is in 2032 and that is not far enough away!