Mental health struggles since ending my cancer treatments

Hi Cockerpoo2,

You are not alone. I also was diagnosed in May, had op, chemo and radiotherapy. Now supposed to be healed and back to normal.

Not sure what normal is, my anxiety is still bad some days. My beast aches at time, have discomfort in the area. Sometimes I imagine I can feel a lump, probably scar tissue. But my first thought is have they got it all, has it come back.

Not sure how I'm supposed to feel. My oncologist said at my last appointment that I would probably feel dumped by services and family.

Yes its great not having to go to loads of appointments or feel ill with treatments. Now I have a void but new symptoms which at times take me yo dark places.

My family also think because I'm no longer getting chemo or radiotherapy I'm cured and fully fit.

It's a strange place to be. Not sure if going back to work now would help me adjust quicker and give less time to think of me or symptoms, imaginary or not.

I understand about the mental health side, we were so caught up with the physical aches, pains and treatments. We put our mental well being on the back burner and now we're not busy going to appointments, being physically unwell, we have time to feel the emotional side.

I hope you get support to help uou work on improving your mood and lessening your anxiety. Maybe this is where the macmillan nurses and cancer care support would be valuable.

I wish you well and well done for everything you have achieved so far in your recovery journey xx

Missymolly thank you for your reply I was feeling I was alone. Its hard when there is no or little routine, I know I am not ready to return to work yet, as I know I need to be able to cope with other people's issues due to working with the public. 

I would say only go back to work when you feel the time is right. 

No one tells you about how you should feel after treatment. I know I didn't choose to have cancer but it doesn't stop me feeling guilty that I have not been there for my family. The after effects on my children and my relationship is huge and I currently don't feel that I can support them when I am not able to sort myself out. 

Hi Cockerpoo2,

Please try to be kind to yourself. I'm sure your family will understand.

Now that you have had your treatment, once you feel more like yourself you will be able to support them more. You are a fighter and still here to tell the tale. I'm sure they are not wanting you to run before you can walk. They wouldn't want you to be sad.

I think myself, included now not receiving active treatment, we minimise what we have been through the last 8 months. Physically, mentally and socially it is draining. It will take time to recover, mentally. Be kind to yourself, cry when you need to it's a release of tensions. Cry with joy that you've beaten it. Do what you feel is right for you and try not to beat yourself up about something that was not your fault. I'm sure your family will be happy to have you around to support you xx

Thank you for your kind and supportive words. I hope you take time for yourself and do what is right for you  x

Hi Cockerpoo2,

Thank you, I will. I work in public sector also. I have lovely managers who have advised me to take my time. I will do a 2 month phased return starting February. A mixture of office and home working at my pace. Hours will be what I feel I can manage. 

I will take my time and prioritise my health. 

If unable to manage will take some more time out.

Take care of yourself and happy to chat if needed. I know how lonely it feels and I think only those who have travelled this path truly understand the anxiety that it brings with it xx

Hi Cockerpoo2 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

Could I just add a piece written by psychologist Peter Harvey

It resonates with a lot of people recovering from cancer 

After the Treatment Ends...Then What?