Hi, this is my first posting, so please excuse me if I'm rambling.
I was diagnosed with kidney cancer just before lockdown. Within the space of a month, I had my kidney removed, received a small dose of chemo, lost my business, and contracted covid.
I recovered well physically, but the whole episode affected me mentally. Due to lockdown, there was very little help available, but being a man, I just got on with life.
Looking back on this time, I honestly can't remember anything I did for around 18 months, I don't even remember going on holiday with my family.
My questions are :
Has anyone else experienced this memory loss ?
Is this a form of PTSD ?
Also, how did people cope with being given the all clear ? I have had 2 scans that show the cancer has not come back. My family was so happy and expected me to get on with life as it was, which I understand, so again I've put on a brave face, but inside, I'm struggling.
Thanks for reading, any advice will be so welcome.
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
As the online community is divided up into different support groups I'm going to recommend that you join the kidney cancer group, which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support from others with the same type of cancer.
I think you might also benefit from joining the life after cancer group which is for cancer survivors and people who have finished treatment. It is a space to discuss things like the physical and emotional after effects of cancer, returning to work, or trying to move on with your life.
Macmillan have teamed up with Bupa to offer 6 free counselling sessions for anyone who is struggling emotionally. You can read about it here.
It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
This link will take you to a blog which explains how to get the best out of the online community but if you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
