Constant feeling of fear since treatment finished

Hello Crazychic

A warm welcome to the forum and well done in getting through it all.  What you are experiencing - I won't describe it as normal because it isn't, but it is the 'norm' for a many of us after a cancer diagnosis.  We think we will get back to our carefree pre-cancer days but the trauma of the diagnosis and treatment can stay with us for a long time afterwards.

The scanxiety is very real for all of us and never really completely goes, even after many clear scans.  Self-confidence in your body takes a real blow and the worry is always there. 

And three weeks is such early days for you, I was still suffering extreme fatigue a couple of months down the line so you need to be really kind to yourself and let your body recover.

You have found the forum and everyone here is really helpful and empathetic so if you ever need to talk and share you concerns, please just post.  Some members have had therapy afterwards to come to terms with what has happened, if there is a Maggie's near you the staff are all cancer professionals and are very understanding of what a cancer patient goes through both physically and mentally.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Crazychic,

Well done on completing your treatment, you are probably just getting to the stage where things will start to feel better physically, but emotionally it can be a rough ride.

Try to remember when you are feeling negative that this is really effective treatment, and there are lots of us on here - at different stages - who have come through and are thriving now, and hopefully it will be the same for you.

Your body is now just starting to recover and heal, and you don't have to keep positive all the time, it is a bruising experience and really takes it out of you. Rest and relax as much as your life allows. Do whatever you need to get through. The appointments you will have are checking your healing is on course and yes, I also feel anxious when it's time for scans and check-ups, but writing it down and sharing here can be a big help.

Let us know how you are getting on  x

Hi Jackie (Crazychic ),

Another warm welcome from me. Congratulations on completing your treatment too. I’ll just reiterate what others have said, the trauma left from this whole experience from the initial diagnosis, through treatment, recovery & beyond is huge so it’s only natural to be feeling fearful right now, the fatigue that you’re feeling is also normal & was a prevalent side effect for me but this can sometimes make for low mood too. We’ve also all experienced the ‘scanxiety’ & it’s real!! Try & focus on the positives, your diagnosis was an early one & this treatment is very effective. Remember to be kind to yourself, you’ve been through a lot these last couple of months & both physically & mentally you’ll have been completely wiped out, recovery takes time but you will get there. 

Sending you a virtual hug. 

Nicola