Hi
Apparently today is national cancer survivors day. The following was sent to me in an email today so thought i would share.
" This day can mean different things to everyone who has faced a cancer diagnosis. The truth is the moment you hear those words " you have cancer " you become a survivor. It's a title that's both empowering and overwhelming. But what no one tells you is that surviving isn't just about getting through treatment , its about what comes after.
When treatment ends, everyone expects you to celebrate. But for a lot of people that's when the real challenges begin. Suddenly the appointments stop, the support from your medical team fades, friends and family want you to move on, but you are left grappling with fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and a constant fear of recurrence. You might feel abandoned, isolated and unsure how to rebuild and move on in your life.
You are not alone if you feel this way."
Back to me, I know everyone won't feel like this, but thought it was important to highlight this and if you do feel like this reach out for help. Xx
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Thank you so much for highlighting this! Even after 4 years, I live in dread of each scan finding something! In a way I’m lucky, my dear friend and neighbour is also a survivor, so I can always talk to her! Also this group has been my life saver, thank you to each and everyone of you.
Moira x
Hi Bungle1 ,
Thank you for posting this.
That second paragraph really resonates with me. I was discharged from my 5 years surveillance 2 years ago & right up until I walked into the consultation room I expected to be walking out elated & ready to celebrate but I felt the polar opposite. I thought originally maybe it was because I hadn’t been discharged by my lovely colorectal consultant but one of his registrars (he was otherwise engaged) but as time passed I realised it’s most of the things that are mentioned in this particular paragraph! It’s been a real conscious effort to move on, which I have managed to do but I would be lying if I said it’s been easy.
Nicola
Bungle1
Everything about this... a cancer diagnosis forever changes us. Thank you for posting the words that most of us feel.
Irene xx
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