Mental Health after Cancer

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Where to start. I received my all clear a few weeks ago and of course I am relieved. Over five years I had major surgery, chemotherapy,  six CT scans, three colonoscopies and 31 blood tests - I was on a clinical trial so lots of testing. And I know this level of surveillance is really good but I spent so much time in a state of terror waiting for results that the mental impact still hasn't gone away and I am stupidly hypervigilant about my body and think every little thing might be a sign of it coming back. I know I am being irrational but I seem to be helpless to stop it , although I think I am better than I was.

I feel guilty as well that I couldn't handle everything well,  after all I got through it and so many don't. And it's not because I fought it and won, it's because of advances in modern medicine and the fantastic care of my health team. I hate it when people tell me I was lucky. Even worse, everything happens for a reason.

Glad to get that off my chest. 

  • Hi  I think your feelings are totally normal. I dont think the mental impact of cancer really hits till after, at the time you are on auto pilot as such with appointments,  scans and treatment. I'm 19 months clear and have recently started having therapy while I find it hard I think it will be good for me. This is something you could look into. I would speak to your hospital team at your next appointment and see if it's something they could arrange for you, if not your gp or cancer charitys offer it. Mine was sorted by my oncologist. Or if you don't feel ready for that keep chatting on here, you have made the first step. Sending hugs. Xxx

  • Thank you so much for your kind response. I hadn't really thought about therapy but I will look into it now. I think I am a bit better than I was so maybe see if that continues first.

    I really hope it works out for you. Very best wishes.

  • Hi again   as I have highlighted before it’s worth checking to see if you have any Local Support in your area, especially check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

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  • It's definitely worth asking around to see what support is out there. I was able to attend a half day workshop on psychological wellbeing after treatment finishes and found it really useful. I have also been dipping in and out of the Macmillan online Hope programme which is great as there's no commitment and I can go at my own pace. For me the hyper vigilance comes and goes a bit but it's been a lot longer for me since treatment. I'm on a patient initiated follow up programme which means they are relying on me to be vigilant. 

    It's self preservation really isn't it so I'm trying to adjust to it and as you've been on such a five year rollercoaster you might need a bit more time to begin to adjust. 

    I know it's not always easy for people to know what to say but these comments can land very hard, to put it mildly. 

    Sending best wishes. 

  • Thank you very much for your kind words. I have decided to get some help to try to move things along.

    Best wishes