Long term effects

Hi Dididdy  and I see it’s your first post on the Community so a very warm welcome.

The post cancer journey can be a mystery. I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years (first diagnosed in 1999 at 43) with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) then Asbestosis and recently Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time (See my story)

I am now 10 years 10 months out from my last official treatment, I turned 70 last Nov and yes….. I get tired but I live within my limitations…… and the most important thing is I don’t let my journey and occasional limitations define me…… I still define how I live.

My Consultant told me that going through cancer process (diagnosis, treatment and recovery) is like doing a marathon and a boxing match every day over all the months to this point in time….. and this was done without any training.

Think about doing the London Marathon and boxing Mike Tyson without any training and you had to finish it as your life depended on it……. this is the journey you have been on so it most likely will take much longer than you would think to get back to some normality…… whatever that normality is.

Not giving yourself enough time (weeks, maybe baths years) could be a backward step……. the challenge is to be a patient patient 

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.

Hi Dididdy

Thank you for your post.

I am having a similar experience to you. I'm 51 and finished active treatment in Nov 2024. I also had a delayed risk reducing mastectomy in Dec 2025. 

I do get frustrated, as my physical strength has not returned to what it was. I tire easily and need lots of rest. I just find that my body behaves very differently now 

The summer has been particularly difficult, as I now have what feels like extreme heat intolerance due to the hormone meds.

I am a self-employed Psychotherapist, I took about 6monrhs out of work during active treatment but have been working part-time time since Sept 2024. I have just acquired a contract, which will involve an additional 2 days work pw, with my current clients that's a total of 4 days pw.

I'm scared! I really don't know how I'm going to hold up. 

I think I'm still trying to understand my new body and it's limits. I find I try to do things as I used to, and feel sad when I can't. 

I don't know if this is at all helpful but I wanted you to know you aren't alone.

Sending strong hugs, Shaka 

Thank you Shaka that is really helpful, I also find my family don’t understand and think I give in too easily and don’t push myself enough xxxx