Post Surgery Experiences

Hi Marianne26 and congratulations on being cancer free. 4 weeks is not a long time after such a big op so dont push yourself to do too much too soon -walk a little bit further each day but maybe have a rest day in between - I used to get a dull ache at the bottom of my back /top of my bum and the stoma nurse suggested that.

I had chemo after my op and felt really flat after it had finished! The treatment is such a big part of your life for so long that I felt a bit lost when it finished and also felt a bit vulnerable - follow up appointments seemed to be months away and I’d gone from seeing the nurses every week to suddenly being on my own. Cancer is hard physically and emotionally and it’s hard to explain that to people who have not been in the same boat.

A lot of people have found this paper useful and, if it doesn’t feel relevant now, then maybe read it again in a few weeks?

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

I also bought a book off Amazon called The Cancer Survivors Companion which was quite good in the early days. You could also try ringing the Support Line on here who will be able to offer advice and tell you if there are any support centres near you

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/getting-support/talking-to-us/index.html#161599

Time is a great healer - don’t underestimate what you’ve been through - be kind to yourself and hopefully the days will start to become a little brighter

Take care

Karen x

Thanks so much Karen....yet also for that paper....excellent reading; I'm sure that everyone will find it of benefit to them! xx

Thank you for posting the letter Karen, good reading and  i am sure useful to refer back to again and again xx