Worry

Hi Patski2 please be assured that the treatment for A/C is very effective and has a high cure rate. In that sense, A/C is one of the 'best' cancers to get. Now, the recurrence bit is difficult. Once you've been diagnosed with cancer, you lose all faith and security you had in your health. Since being diagnosed I haven't just worried about A/C, I've worried about cancer springing up in other parts of my body. This is absolutely natural. My Oncologist referred me to an Oncological Psychologist who passed on coping techniques designed for getting these thoughts under control. I wonder if you might ask your Oncologist about a referral? I'm 18 months post-treatment and I do not think about it coming back as frequently these days, that worry does recede with time and with the help of my Psychologist, although the build up to scans and results is still difficult. I have noticed though that before the last check up I had, my anxiety had lessened. Bev. 

Thanks for reply and im pleased your doing well i liked the bit about one of best ones to get. So far ive only had oncology appointments on the phone but i could ask when they next ring i definately need something like that .Thanks for saying about how good the treatment is that hopefully will spur me on as really struggling today. Many Thanks Paul

Hi Patski2  I'm glad to have helped. I'm always here to bounce an worries off. I totally understand what you're going through Bev 

Hi Paul

I just want to echo what Bev (1in1500) has said. I am also about 18 months post treatment. I am the biggest worrier you can imagine!! Time is definitely the thing that helps, as well as much support you can get. This forum and the hospitals psychologist have helped me massively. I was a complete wreck to begin with and don't get me wrong, I still worry but I have better ways to cope. Coming up to appointments is still tough, but the time beforehand that I worry does lessen and although it's taken a while, I sometimes have days when I dont think about cancer at all and that has all come with time and hopefully will continue as time goes on.

I once asked my oncologist if I would ever stop worrying (I notice everything about my health). He told me that i probably wouldn't, but I would find ways to deal with it and live a positive 'new normal'.

One thing I have is a very different perspective on pretty much everything, I appreciate things much more thats for sure.

Deb 

Thanks Deb to hear you have days where you dont think about C at all is incredible as its on my mind 24/7 i definatetly need to ask about getting help as at the moment i cant imagine feeling my normal self ever again Thanks for taking time to reply. Regards Paul

I'm in my 4th week of treatment and felt just lime you leading up to and starting my treatment.  My doctor was really worried about my mental state and had me talk to a counselor and former patient.  This was a tremendous help.  I cried through the first two weeks of treatment, but found I was calmer as time progressed.  I can't say what has attributed to that feeling, but I think seeing so many others getting treatment made me feel less alone.  Also, I was expecting every side effect and didn't know how I would cope.  I've had a few side effects, but the docs are always quick to offer a lotion or potion.  I hope you are able to relax a bit and I wish you the best.

Hi Paul, Congratulations on completing 2 wks of treatment! I know it can be scary, but fortunately anal cancer has a high success rate of complete cure with treatment! 

I was staged at T2 and am going on 9 yrs cancer FREE!! I know after 9 yrs the treatment has improved greatly and feel you are in excellent hands. 

My radiation oncologist used to tell me to go home eat cake, drink a glass of wine and take it easy! Lol 

The time passes quickly during treatment and you will feel like you're on a roller-coaster ride at times, but it will all be worth it in the end, Promise!

Comforting Hugs sent your way  Theresa!

Thank you so much for both replys good luck with completing treatment and well done on being 9 years free i pray that we can follow in your footsteps .it helps to hear sucess stories Many Thanks Paul

Hi Amazing Grace thanks for posting, this is very comforting news for all our Group! Bev. 

I feel exactly the same. I finish my treatment next week and I'm thinking... what's next?... God and Providence!! I'm suffering physically now with side effects of treatment but it will be more mentally when treatment has finished! X