What if it comes back?

Hi Trevaughan and congratulations on finishing chemo. Everyone will now encourage you to ‘get on with the rest of your life’ but it’s easy to underestimate how tricky this next stage can be. I almost missed the chemo team because it felt like my last regular bit of support had finished. Each clear scan going forward will reassure you and any issues would be picked up promptly by your team.

There is lots of help available depending on how you feel you’re coping. My local hospital ran a day course called moving on from cancer so you could ask your colorectal support nurse if they do anything similar or is there a local Maggies Centre? The support line on here is available to chat 7 days a week from 8-8 on 0808 808 00 00 and they would be able to tell you about the free counselling sessions with bupa that are an option. There’s also a paper that a lot of people have found helpful

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

It is hard not to worry about a reoccurrence but I tried to tell myself that worrying would stop me enjoying the present and would not change any outcome. Time is a great healer and my oncologist told me that most reoccurrences happen within the first couple of years and things would be looking good after 3 years so I breathed a little easier after each of these.

Lastly there is a Life after Cancer board with some great posts and advice from Mike the Highlander where you could post or just have a read

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/life-after-cancer-forum

Take care

Karen x

Thank you, Karen x

I fully second reading that paper, its brilliant. ((Hugs))

As a relative I felt the adrenaline carried us through treatments then the reality hit when you almost reached a better point and had time to breath .  A couple of good scans helped in gaining confidence in the process that’s for sure . 
If your open to it getting some help is a very positive thing . You have been through a lot .

Our helpline staff would be more than happy to chat . 0808 808 0000

take care. 

Court 

Hi Trevaughan, I felt a bit relieved to read your post. After treatment for bowel cancer I was given the news that scans were clear. I am still very anxious. My husband said I should be so happy to have that news but I think I’m think I’m in a way to afraid to believe it. Best wishes to you xx

Hi Nelly1955.  Did you read the paper that Kareno62 linked to above; I found it really helpful and reassuring to know that everyone feels like this.  I'm also about to contact Maggie's to see if they have a relevant group I can join.  Take care xx

Hi Trevaughan, thank you for replying. I didn’t have surgery first time. I had chemoradiation, clear then a mett on my liver, ablation. Back on my bowel think it didn’t clear. Surgery and chemo this time. Couldn’t have my last chemo, abscess infection. Clear scans oncologist positive. I think I need more clear scans. I will read the link. I have been advised to go to Maggies’s, sending hugs please let us know how you get on at the meeting. Xx

Unfortunately, I think you've posed a question that is basically unanswerable for all of us who have undergone cancer.

My Bowel Cancer Op. was in May 2019 - followed by Mets. in Lung in March 2020, then 6 mths. of Chemo Tabs & a Lung Ablation in Oct. that year.

Since then, my 6 mthly scans have been clear.

I can honestly say though - that since my bowel resection, I just resumed my life as it was, prior to my initial diagnosis - & was just pleased at that time - that it was eradicated.

The only time I get anxious - is awaiting results of my CT scans - which I think will continue throughout the five years that cancer sufferers are followed for.

I think that within time, you will learn to let go of the fear generally - & hopefully resume a more normal life.

Best wishes

Marianne