Post treatment news

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Hi - I have just had my first review post treatment and received the good news that no cancer detected. Anus healing nicely and area where lump removed all healed too. Still get side effects - occasional urgency and diarrhoea but not all the time.

It is good news, the best news but why do I feel flat as a pancake? All this year has been about symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery then total anti climax and not sure where to put myself. Has anyone else has this or am just a bit out of sorts or odd? Family feel it is a celebration but I feel weary and like I should celebrate as others don't get this news but that feeling is not there.

  • Hello Figgywig,

    While I'm not at your stage yet (on week three of treatment) I think your reaction is entirely normal and understandable. For one thing, your recent months have been about diagnosis and treatment; now your focus becomes getting on with life post-treatment. Also, it's perfectly easy to imagine how even the best news -- no cancer -- cannot totally erase the trauma and the anxiety about whether cancer will recur. It's the classic "waiting for the other shoe to drop" feeling. I think this is how I will feel if I'm lucky enough to be in your shoes. Sure, your family want to celebrate and so they should -- it's incredible news. But that doesn't mean you can easily erase all that has just happened and be carefree. I hope you can feel a bit of joy, but be easy with yourself if other feelings creep in sometimes. And if it feels odd to explain the feelings to other people, talk to the wonderful people here. They understand only too well! Cheers and hugs to you.

  • Thank you Lululeo, I feel.slightly less odd and more settled about my feelings now. I trust you get through the next 3 weeks okay and the time after treatment ends and receive the best news too in due course.  Your reply has really helped

  • Hello  

    And this is where what others feel and what you feel is all out of sync.  First of all, I am really happy to hear your results but wanted to commiserate with you that 'getting back to normal' after a cancer diagnosis takes a long long time; everyone (understandably) is so happy for you, but what is going on in your head takes much much longer to heal.  And the majority of people, if they haven't experienced a cancer diagnosis, just don't get it. Why would they?  But many others on here have had exactly the same experience so please don't feel you are alone.

    I hope your healing and recovery continues well, and please don't be afraid to share how you really feel with those close to you; they may not fully understand but you have kept them in your particular picture.

    Big hug

    Irene