Woohoo....I'm in remission!

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I had my 3 month scan a few weeks ago and was told the treatment had worked and that the tumour had gone. The consultant showed me a before & after of the Pet scan, where last November there was a 5.5cm tumour and now, its all gone! I do have some scar tissue where the tumour was and the treatment has caused tiny cracks in my pelvis, along with a condition called Oesteopenia, low bone density in the base of my spine. 

So altho its brilliant news the cancer has gone, its the side effects that I've now got to contend with...pain in the hips, altered bowel habits, bloating, food intolerances, & worsened restless legs syndrome .

Something  else I've noticed and this must happen with a lot of people who've had cancer treatment,  that a lot of friends & family think that now you've finished treatment, you're better. When I was diagnosed last November,  everyone I knew were sorry & if there was anything they could do, I mustn't hesitate to ask. Then I started treatment and some people did message me or ask how I was getting on but others shied away, then I finished treatment, and it's like nothing has  ever happened .Has this happened to you?

  • Namet, that is just wonderful news - you must be so relieved!

    The side effects - oh yes!  I have degenerative osteoarthritis in both hips and had a stoma formation due to severe anal stenosis.  And sex - what's that?!

    But given my diagnosis I am just glad to be here and have a happy and full life, albeit quite different from BC.  And there are many forum members who recovered really well and have minimal reminders of what was quite a toxic treatment.  I remember seeing a placard in the hospital radiotherapy department - Radiotherapy Saves Lives.  I am sure they knew what was to come for some people.  But it made me think of the alternative...

    I have mentioned before that many people say I look so well.  And I do, but they don't see the ongoing problems and know what goes on inside my head.  A cancer diagnosis changes us irrevocably and unless someone has been treated for cancer and has experienced the fear, confusion and ongoing worry, they just see us as being back to normal.

    But here we all know.  So if you need to, share with us, your virtual cancer buddies!

    Big hug

    Irene xx

  • That is brilliant news! Congratulations Slight smile

    I hear you regarding the rest. I feel the same. Treatment is just one small part of all this and the recovery is potentially the most difficult part. People don't seem to understand, but why would they? Having not gone through it themselves? It can feel frustrating and a bit like you've been abandoned just when you need the support the most. Especially when left with other longterm issues.

    Jenna xx

  • Hi  

    That's brilliant news that you have the all clear, so happy for you. Hopefully your side affects will improve over time. I completely understand your last paragraph, people just think you are better now and dissappear. They don't understand that some have physical side affects and there is also the mental toll of it which I think comes after. My nurse said to me cancer may not be a death sentence but it is a life sentence and at the time I was like thanks, but now I get what she meant. Sending hugs. Xx