Coping after cancer

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34 subscribers
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Hi Everyone

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in July 22. After 2 stoma bags and 3 operations, i finally had my stoma reversal last year and am now 2 years cancer free. I was very positive mental attitude all through my treatment and recovery but in the last few months it's seems to have hit me just how much I've been through and have become completely overwhelmed by it. I just wanted to reach out to others and ask how you are coping? I put on a brave face at work and at home but I seem to be becoming more of a recluse day by day and anxiety seems to be kicking in more frequent. I know I have a lot to be grateful for but seem to be coping worse than when I was ill.

Bungle1 29 days ago

Hi Alirobbo

Sending you a massive hug. You are much further along in your journey than I am. I have good and bad days, the hospitals seem to deal with the physical side of cancer but not the mental affect it has on you. In my little section of this forum it is something people talk about and quite a few go to counseling, it's something I will possibly consider once I get the all clear. It may be something that would help you I know some cancer charitys offer it. I think unless you've been through it you can't really get the affect it has on you mentally. Sending more hugs. Xx

Alirobbo 29 days ago in reply to Bungle1

Thank you! I am currently looking in to somewhere local regarding counselling. I thought i was a strong person until recently, but it obviously affects everyone in different ways and at different times. Having someone to talk to who is going or gone through it might just help. Good luck with your journey and sending hugs back to you x

Bungle1 29 days ago in reply to Alirobbo

You are strong, recognising you need help is strong. You have been through a lot. Xx

latchbrook 29 days ago

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

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and although I didn't have the same type of cancer as you I do know how much a cancer diagnosis affects our lives.

The online community is divided into different support groups and I can see that you've already found and joined the ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support group. When you feel ready to post there, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

Other groups which you might find helpful are the bowel cancer and life after cancer groups. If you'd like to join either or both of these, clicking on the links I've created will take you straight there.

You might find this article called After The Treatment Finishes - Then What really helpful in understanding the post treatment milestones.

It would be great if you could put 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.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Alirobbo 29 days ago in reply to latchbrook

Thank you. I have updated my biography and wow, it's the first time I've actually wrote it down and made me quite emotional. I will look through the links you have suggested.

Thanks again x