Feeling anxious after treatment finished

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Hi I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in SEPT 22 . I completed 5 rounds of chemo then had ct scan and tumour marker blood test which showed all clear of cancer . It all came as a shock after I presented with a abdo pain in A&e . I was initially told it was appendicitis . My treatment pre and post surgery was not great but I have remained positively and have a great oncologist who explained everything to me .

I finished chemo 13/1/23 . In the last few weeks I have felt anxious and worried it’s an accumulation of lots of things I feel . My question is is this normal and can I get any counselling as I feel,I’ve been through a massive trauma and it’s only just sinking in what I’ve gone through / going through .

Kareno62 over 1 year ago

HI and a warm welcome to the board. A lot of people on here will be able to relate to how you’re feeling - you feel ‘safe’ with all the hospital appointments and, suddenly, when they all stop, you’re alone and the reality of the situation kicks in. Please give the support desk a ring on the number below - they will be happy to chat with you and also arrange for the free counselling sessions that Macmillan are offering in conjunction with BUPA.

Ive also attached a link to a paper that a lot of people have found helpful once treatment has finished.

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

Hope this helps and we’re always here on the board whenever you want to ‘chat’ or need a virtual hug sending - sometimes only people who’ve been in your shoes can really understand how you’re feeling

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Mel M over 1 year ago

Hi WILMA66, I can totally understand where you are coming from. I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in July 22 , had surgery late July 22, started chemo in Sept 22 and finished just before Xmas 22. I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed via the Bowel Screening postal FIT test programme. My treatment pre and post surgery was great, and I will never be able to repay the NHS or Lewisham Hospital for their fantastic service throughout my journey. Following the end of treatrment, I do also feel a little anxious even though I have had post chemo CT san and blood tests and have now been discharged from Oncolopgy to the Colorectal nurses for the 5 years of surveillance. I have looked at the process logically and can only describe diagnosis/tests/surgery/chemo as being on a runaway train, no tme really to consider anything but when that runaway train pulls into the discharge for surveillance station and you get off, then the reality of what has happened to you and the worries of a reoccurence then set in. Please be assured that these feelings you are experiencing are universal and real. We all go through this. I find this forum and the Bowel Cancer UK platforms really helpful and have been a great help. I do undersand that there is counselling available so seriously consider this. I am able to talk to my family and friends about what I am going through and have found them all very supportive. My main question, early on in my journey was why me? Well why not me.

WILMA66 over 1 year ago in reply to Mel M

Thank you for your reply that makes me feel more reassured . I’m glad you had a positive journey through the nhs as mine wasn’t so I was fortunate to have my chemotherapy privately . The treatment thereafter was brilliant . I am also able to talk to friends and family but it’s better talking with people who have actually had the same diagnosis .